Driving Laws in Alabama
If a serious injury or death is caused by the bad driving or bad decisions of another driver, that person needs to be held accountable for the harm they caused.
Unfortunately, most people driving the roads are not adequately educated, or insured to cover a serious injury or death claim.
Here are some basic driving laws in Alabama to help you on the roadway. Driving Laws in Alabama.
Obedience to Traffic Control Devices
A driver must obey any traffic control devices applicable to the driver, unless directed by a traffic or police officer.
Section 32-5A-31
Driving on Right Side of Roadway
Drivers must drive in the right lane of roadways with the following exceptions:
- When passing another driver in the same direction
- When there is an obstruction in the right lane
- Upon a roadway with three or more lanes of traffic
- Upon a roadway restricted to one way traffic
Passing on the Left
Driver proceeding in the same direction must pass to the left at a safe distance and shall remain in the passing lane until it is safe to return to the right lane. Drivers being passed must not increase the speed of their vehicle until their vehicle is completely passed by the overtaking car.
Section 32-5A-82
NOTE: Most people don’t know about this one, but this is a good law to keep in mind.
Limitations on Overtaking on the Left
Drivers may drive to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle only if the left side is clearly visible and the overtaking vehicle can return to its lane without coming within two hundred feet of oncoming traffic.
Section 32-5A-84
Passing on the Right
Drivers may pass on the right under the following conditions:
- When the driver about to be passed is about to make a left turn. However, the driver attempting to pass on the right must not do so without driving off the pavement of main-traveled portion of the roadway.
- When the roadway has two (2) or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
- On a one-way street where the roadway is free from obstructions and wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
Following Too Closely
A driver must not follow another driver more closely than is “reasonable and prudent”, having due regard for the speed of other drivers and traffic conditions along the roadway.
Except when overtaking and passing another vehicle, the driver of a vehicle must leave a distance of at least 20 feet for each 10 miles per hour of speed between their own vehicle and the vehicle directly ahead of theirs.
A driver who is towing another vehicle that is 25 feet or longer must leave at least 300 feet of space ahead of their vehicle to allow an overtaking vehicle to enter and occupy this space without danger.
Section 32-5A-89
Drivers and Mobile Electronic Devices
Drivers must not drive while using a mobile electronic device to write, send or read a text-based message, except for the sole purpose of calling 911. Drivers are permitted to use a mobile electronic device if the vehicle is parked on the shoulder of the roadway, or if the device is a pre-programmed global positioning system (GPS). The driver is not permitted to program GPS coordinates while driving.
Section 32-5A-350
Drivers and Intersections
When two (2) drivers approach an intersection at approximately the same time the driver on the left must yield to the driver in the right.
Section 32-5A-110
Drivers Intending to Turn Left at Intersections
A driver who intends to turn left at an intersection, or into an alley, private road or driveway must yield the right of way to drivers approaching from the opposite direction.
Section 32-5A-111
Drivers Entering or Crossing a Roadway
A driver about to enter or cross a roadway from any place other than another roadway must yield the right of way to all other vehicles on the roadway to be crossed.
Section 32-5A-114
Bicycling Laws
Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as drivers of cars, and are subject to the same penalties as are drivers for violating traffic laws.
Section 32-5A-260
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