The document summarizes Alabama traffic laws regarding speed limits, stopping situations, right of way, and traffic signs/markings. It describes Alabama's basic speed law, statutory speed limits, advisory speeds, and minimum speeds. It lists situations that require a complete stop, such as at stop signs or school buses. It discusses rules for yielding the right of way to emergency vehicles or at intersections. It also identifies traffic signs and pavement markings that regulate passing and no passing zones.

1. TRAFFIC LAWS
ALABAMA COURSE OF STUDY #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 AND
#7
Describe Alabama’s Basic Speed Law, list situations that require a
complete stop, name situations that require drivers to yield the right of
way, describe traffic signs and pavement markings that regulate passing,
identify traffic signs, traffic signals and pavement markings, interpret
Alabama’s Safety Belt and Child Restraint laws.

2. SPEED REGULATIONS
• Speed may not always, in itself, be the primary
cause of traffic crashes, but it all too often is
the factor that turns a minor mishap into a
fatal accident.
• Speed limits are chosen carefully by traffic
engineers who study road conditions and
evaluate the road surface, the average
amount of traffic, any hidden dangers and
number of accidents in any particular area.

3. Alabama’s Basic Speed Law
• The Alabama Basic Speed Law provides that
you must never drive a vehicle faster than is
reasonable under existing conditions.
• This means that even though a driver is not
exceeding the posted speed limit he/she can
still receive a ticket.
• Example: Road, weather, lights, and your
vehicle condition, as well as your physical
condition can determine the safest speed.

4. Statutory Speed Limit
• The law. The speed limit in various areas, when no
speed limit sign is posted.
• Speed limit signs indicate the maximum
speed allowed by law, but does not
mean that all parts of the road can be
safely driven at those speeds under all conditions

5. Alabama’s Basic Speed Law
• According to Alabama Law the
statutory speed limits are as
follows:
– 30 mph Urban District
(Neighborhood)
– 35 mph Unpaved Road
– 45 mph Paved County
Road
– 55 mph Other Locations
(State Highways)
– 65 mph State Highways
where posted
– 70 mph Interstate
Highways

6. Posted Speed Limit
• This category allows either state or local authorities
to alter the statutory speed limits.
• However, it is usually required that, prior to
increasing or decreasing a highway’s statutory speed
limit, the appropriate governmental authorities
conduct a study to determine the safe speed limit for
such highway.
• The statutory speed laws are in effect unless a limit is
posted otherwise.

7. Advisory Speed Limits
A speed limit that advises drivers that an
adjusted speed is necessary for a short period
of time.
For example: Sharp curve ahead, road work
ahead, school bus stop ahead.

8. Minimum Speed Law
• Minimum Speed Law provides that no person
shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow
speed as to impede the normal and
reasonable movement of traffic. 32-5A-174(a)

9. Alabama’s Basic Speed Law
Comparison:
• Statutory Speed Laws are in effect even if no speed limit is
posted.
• Posted Speed Limits are the minimum or maximum speeds
that are allowed.
• Advisory Speed Laws tell us when an adjusted speed is
necessary.

10. STOPPING
• Many situations require complete stops.
• When stopping always check your mirrors and, if
possible, tap your brakes to warn others that you are
stopping.
• Apply smooth, steady, firm pressure to the brake
pedal, easing up slightly as you come to a halt.
• When stopping behind other vehicles, stop further
enough behind the vehicle to see the back tires
touching the roadway.
• Allow extra stopping and braking time under adverse
conditions, driving with a heavy load or when
towing.

11. Situations Requiring Drivers to
Come to a Complete STOP
• Approaching a school bus
displaying red flashing
lights and stop signal arm
(new law on divided
highways).
• Exiting Private Property or
Parking Lots

12. Situations Requiring Drivers to
Come to a Complete STOP
• Before turning right on red
• Approaching a flagman directing traffic (construction)
• At a stop sign or at the stop line

13. Situations Requiring Drivers to
Come to a Complete STOP
• At a crosswalk with
pedestrian traffic
• When directed by a
School Crossing Guard
• When directed to do so
by a policeman

14. Situations Requiring Drivers to
Come to a Complete STOP
• At an intersection or
crosswalk when traffic
signal shows a red light or
stop signal.
• At Railroad Crossing where
stop signs are posted

15. Situations Requiring Drivers to
Come to a Complete STOP
• At a flashing red signal
• After being in an accident
and complying with
procedure by law
• When an emergency vehicle
coming towards you or
approaches from behind,
displaying lights and sirens

16. SCHOOL and CHURCH BUS
• Every bus used for the transportation of school children shall
have upon the front and rear plainly visible signs containing
the words “school bus” in letters less than eight inches in
height.
• Every bus used for the transportation of passengers to or from
church shall have upon the front and rear plainly visible signs
containing the words “church bus” in letters not less than
eight inches in height.

17. School and Church Buses
You must stop when you see the appropriate bus signals
displayed.
• Stop must be at least 20 feet from the bus
• Flashing amber lights are a pre-warning that the bus is
preparing to stop for loading or unloading

18. School and Church Buses
• In rural areas amber lights are used at least
300 feet before stopping.
• In municipalities amber lights are used at least
100 feet before stopping.
• Flashing red lights and extended stop area
means that the bus is stopped to either load
or unload children.

19. New school bus passing law
• The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway having four or
more lanes which permits at least two lanes of traffic to travel
in opposite directions need not stop the vehicle upon meeting
a school or church bus which is stopped in the opposing
roadway or if the school or church bus is stopped in a loading
zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where
pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.

20. RIGHT OF WAY
• When you drive, sometimes one of more
drivers or pedestrians will want to use the
same roadway space at the same time that
you do.
• There will be times that you will have to yield
the right of way – meaning letting others go
first based on a set of rules.
• Never assume you have the right of way, you
do not have it unless the other driver gives it
to you.

21. Yielding Right of Way
• Right of way rules are
an aid to safe, smooth
traffic flow.
• They emphasize
courtesy and common
sense
• Violation of these rules
is one of the main cause
of traffic crashes
• It is smart to obey right
of way rules.

22. Right of Way
• The Right of Way rules include:
– If two vehicles reach an intersection not
controlled by signs or signals, and from different
roadways at about the same time, the driver of
the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on
the right.
Special Note: If you enter an uncontrolled
intersection at an unlawful speed, you lose any
right of way which you would otherwise have.

23. Right of Way
• Yield to emergency vehicles when they are displaying
a flashing red or blue light and sounding a siren or
bell.
– Ambulance
– Fire Fighters
– Law Enforcement

24. Right of Way
• Whether the emergency vehicle is overtaking
or meeting you, pull to the right side safely off
the roadway and stop.
• Do not stop in an intersection.
• Do not proceed until the emergency vehicle
has passed.
• If you cannot safety pull to the right side, stay
where you are.

25. Examples that require drivers to yield right-of
way.
• Approaching and entering intersections
• Entering from a private road or driveway
• Merging onto highways
• Approaching railroad grade crossings
• To a blind person with a red tip cane or using a
guide dog in an intersection

26. Right of Way
• Yield Signs – when
entering an intersection
where there is a yield
sign facing you, slow
down and, if necessary,
stop to yield the right of
way to vehicles and
pedestrians legally
crossing the roadway.

27. Right of Way
• When making a left turn within an
intersection or into an alley, driveway, or
private road, you must yield the right of way
to a vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction when it is within the intersection or
close enough to present an immediate hazard.

28. Be the Responsible Driver!
• The law gives the right-of-way to no one, but
it does state who must yield the right-of-way.
• Every driver, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and
pedestrian must do everything possible to
avoid a crash.

29. Give the Right of Way
• At T intersections where you must yield to
vehicles on the through road
• When turning left in which case you must
yield to oncoming cars, pedestrians, etc.
• When driving on an unpaved road that
intersects with a paved road
• When returning to the roadway after the car is
parked

30. Should you ever insist on the right-of-way?
• The driver should never assume anything.
• Drivers should anticipate other drivers’
actions, as well as, yielding whenever needed
or required by law.
• Giving up the right-of-way may help avoid a
crash.

31. Signs, Signals, and Road Markings
• There is a host of information on the
roadways, directing the flow the traffic and
the interaction of the driving environment.
• The shape of a road sign can tell you as much
about the sign’s message as its color.
• Traffic signs must meet both individual state
and U.S. Department of Transportation
specifications.

32. NO PASSING ZONE
• Many highway deaths and serious injuries
occur on two-lane highways when vehicles
collide head-on or sideswipe each other.
Improper or careless passing causes most of
these – almost always in violation of state law.
• No passing zone signs are placed at the
beginning of a No Passing Zone.

33. NO PASSING ZONE
• This area on the roadway will have a yellow
and black triangular shaped sign placed on the
left side of the roadway. It means that no
passing is allowed.
NO
PASSING
ZONE

34. PAVEMENT MARKINGS FOR NO PASSING AREAS
– Solid yellow lines: If solid on your side of the centerline you may not
pass.
– If two solid yellow lines: passing is not allowed in either direction.

35. DO NOT PASS
• On a curve or hill where you cannot see a
clearly for at least 500 feet ahead.
• At a highway intersection
• When meeting an oncoming vehicle
• Where signs prohibit passing, or where there
is a solid yellow line on your side of the
centerline. Double solid yellow lines prohibits
traffic in both directions from crossing the
centerline to pass

36. DO NOT PASS
• On multi-lane road, the left-most lane is intended to
be used to pass slower vehicles. If you pass on the
right, the other driver may have difficulty seeing you
and might suddenly change lanes in front of you.
• Never pass on the shoulder. It is illegal and other
drivers will not expect you to be there and may pull
off the road without looking.

37. TRAFFIC CONTROLS
• There are three basic types of traffic control
devices:
– Signs
– Signals
– Pavement Markings

38. TRAFFIC SIGNS
• Traffic signs can be easily recognized by their
shape, color and symbol or legend
• It is important to know, recognize, and obey
traffic signs immediately.
• There are three types of traffic signs:
– Regulatory
– Warning
– Informational or Guide

39. REGULATORY SIGNS
• These signs regulate or control the movement
of traffic. These signs tell the drivers what
they must do and what they must not do
when driving.
• They are red, white, black, green on white or
white on black and MUST be obeyed.

40. Regulatory Signs
• Failure to obey these signs could lead to a
traffic ticket.
• Most regulatory signs have a vertical,
rectangular shape.
• A red circle with a red slash on any of these
signs means NO.
• You can easily recognize these signs by their
shape and color.

41. Examples of Regulatory Signs
YIELD SIGNS:
• Yield signs are red and white
with red letters.
• A yield sign calls on the driver to do the
following: Slow down, defer to oncoming or
intersecting traffic, stop when necessary,
proceed when safe, and remain aware of
oncoming vehicles.

42. A Common Regulatory Sign
STOP SIGN
• The stop sign is red with white letters.
• The stop sign calls on the driver to make a
mandatory stop at the stop line and proceed
when safe.
• Rolling stops are not acceptable.

43. WARNING SIGNS
• These are black and yellow, except those used in construction
areas that are orange and black.
• These signs are used to warn drivers of hazardous conditions
requiring the driver to proceed with extra caution.
• These are usually diamond shaped, but with some exceptions.
• When you see a warning sign, increase your level of alertness
to changes in the roadway, in traffic, or in environmental
changes
• Fluorescent yellow indicates pedestrian crossings and school
zones

44. WARNING SIGNS
• Examples of warning signs:
– Sharp turn to the right
– There is a bump in the roadway ahead
– Railroad crossing (circle)
– Number of highway lanes ahead changes
– No Passing Zone (pennant)

45. INFORMATION/GUIDE SIGNS
• These signs inform and direct motorists.
• The green and white signs are for motorist
directions.
• The blue and white signs are for motorist
services.
• The brown and white signs are for points of
public recreational or cultural interest.

46. GUIDE/INFORMATIONAL SIGNS
• Mile markers or mileposts are another
example of these types of signs.
• These signs are used to assist drivers in
pinpointing locations and to provide a means
of identifying the location of emergency
incidents and aid in highway maintenance and
service.
• Zero mileage begins at the South and West
state lines or at junctions where routes begin

47. INTERSTATE HIGHWAY
SIGNS
• These are red, white and blue shield
shaped signs.
• Odd numbered highways travel east and west.
• Even numbered highways travel north and south.
• The numbers on interstate signs go from 5 to 95 with
the lower the number, the further south or west it is
located.
• The higher the number the further north or east the
highway is located.

48. INTERSTATE SIGNS
• If the first number on a 3 digit sign is odd then the highway is
a spur, meaning it goes into a city.
• If the first number on a 3 digit sign is even then the highway is
a bypass, meaning it goes around a downtown area and
reconnects to the interstate.
• The Interstate Highway System was designed and started
during the Eisenhower administration.
• One requirement of the HIS was to have 2 miles of straight,
flat highway, with no overpasses, for every 100 miles of
interstates.
• These were to be used as airstrips in the event of a national
disaster.

49. What do traffic signals do?
• Traffic control signals, or traffic lights, keep
traffic moving in a orderly manner and help to
indicate right of way.
• Most signals operate automatically using a
timer system to change the lights through
their sequence.

50. Traffic Lights
Red
• Stop when steady circular red.
• Remain stopped until signal turns green.
• Right turns and, in certain circumstances, left
turn movements after stopping are permitted
unless a sign is posted prohibiting the turn
(NO TURN ON RED).

51. Yellow
• A circular steady yellow means clear the
intersection. It follows a green signal. You
must not enter the intersection on a yellow
light.
Green
• Go, when clear, when signal is steady
green. You may go straight or turn right or
left, yielding to other vehicles and
pedestrians within the intersection. A sign
may prohibit a turn or turns.

52. Flashing Red
• This means the same as a stop sign. You
must come to a complete stop before
entering the intersection and yield to
traffic close enough to be an immediate
hazard.
Flashing Yellow
• A flashing yellow light means slow down
and use extra caution.

53. Green Arrow (protected turn)
• A steady green arrow shown alone or with
any other indication means you may enter
the intersection to make the movement
indicated by the arrow or any other
movement permitted by the other
indications, yielding to pedestrians and
vehicles lawfully using the intersection.
This arrow permits you to proceed in the
direction of the arrow while opposing
traffic must stop.

54. YELLOW ARROW
• A steady yellow arrow comes after a green
arrow to indicate that the protected
movement indicated by the green arrow is
being terminated.

55. TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS
• The standard order of the traffic control signal
is green-yellow-red.
• For colorblind drivers, distinction may be
made according to position.
• Vertical signals always have the red light on
top, yellow in the center and green on
bottom.
• Horizontal signals have red on the left, yellow
in the center and green on the right.

56. SPECIAL USE SIGNALS
• These signals may operate at certain times or on
demand at school zones, fire stations or factories.
• Walk/Don’t Walk flashing signs at intersections are
examples of special use signals.
• Lane Use control signals are also special use signals –
Steady Red X, Steady Green C, Steady Yellow Arrow
(X) and Flashing Yellow Arrow (X)
• These control the change in direction of a particular
lane at different times of the day or at special events.

57. Lane Use Control Signals
Reversible Lane Controls
• Steady Red X
– A driver facing this indication shall not drive in the
lane over which the signal is located, and this
indication shall modify all other traffic controls.
May also be a red light.
• Steady Green Arrow
– A driver facing this indication is permitted to drive
in the lane over which the arrow signal is located.
The driver shall obey all other traffic controls and
follow normal safe driving practices. May also be
a green light.

58. • Steady Yellow X
– A driver facing this indication is permitted to drive
in the lane over which the “X” signal is located
using caution. Potentially hazardous conditions
exist when the steady yellow “X” is displayed.
May also be a yellow light. This lane will soon
proceed in another direction.

59. Traffic Officers
• You must obey traffic officers at all times.
• If you see a traffic officer giving directions, do
what he or she says and ignore any traffic
signs or signals.
• For example, if the officer signals for you to
stop at a green light, you must stop.

60. PAVEMENT MARKINGS
• Lines, lettering and symbols on the pavement
are used to give important information,
directions, and warnings about highway travel
to drivers and pedestrians.
• Good drivers understand the meaning of
these markings in order to control and reduce
risk.

61. Road Pavement Markings
• Lines and symbols on the roadway indicate a number
of things to drivers:
-Where lanes are divided
-Where you may pass other vehicles
-Where you may change lanes
-Which lanes to use for turns
-Where pedestrian walkways are located
-Where you must stop for signs and traffic
signals

62. PAVEMENT MARKINGS
• If the line on the left of you is yellow, the traffic on the other
side of the line is moving in the opposite direction.
• Broken lines may be crossed in a passing maneuver.
• A solid white line marks the right and/or left edge of many
roads.
• When the line on the left of you is white, the traffic is moving
the same direction

63. Pavement Markings
• Centerline: This is the painted stripe in the
center of the road which separates traffic
proceeding in opposite directions.
– Broken Lines: Used in areas where there are no
restrictions on passing when safe to do so.

64. – PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Zone
School
White solid lines are used to denote pedestrian crosswalks at intersections.
Some intersections are marked with a broad white line called a stop line.
This line is prior to the crosswalk and is the line that drivers should stop
behind at a stop sign or traffic signal.
In some areas, pavement messages are used to warn of conditions ahead
such as SCHOOL ZONE. Another could be RR CROSSING

65. • Multi-lane, two-way roadways
– Crossing center-line permitted only as part of left turn
maneuver.
– Some roadways have a center lane marked by parallel solid and broken lines with white arrows that point
alternately left and right. These lanes are shared left-turn lanes. Vehicles from either direction can use these
lanes to make left turns into another road or entrance. Drivers who want to make left turns onto the roadway
clan also move into the shared left turn land and WAIT (not drive in the lane) for a gap in traffic.

66. • Multi-lane, one way roadways
– Broken white lines permits changing lanes when safe to do so. All
traffic is moving in the same direction
– Solid white lines prohibits the changing of lanes.

67. OTHER PAVEMENT MARKINGS
• REVERSABLE LANE MARKINGS – these are double dashed
yellow lanes to identify lanes that travel in different directions
at different times of the day (ex. Rush hour – one direction in
the morning and opposite direction in the evening.
• HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES – these are marked by a
white diamond and are used by vehicles carrying 3 or more
passengers (2 or more in some states). The purpose is to
encourage carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on
the highways.
– HOV lanes have pavement markings to indicate where to enter and
exit the lanes.

68. Child Restraint Laws
• Alabama’s Child Restraint Law states that children up
to age 14 must be restrained while riding in a motor
vehicle.
• This applies to front and back seats in all passenger
cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs.
• Violators will have points assessed against their
license, as well as, paying a fine.

69. Child Restraint Law
• The law requires the following size
appropriate restraint systems:
– Infant-only seat or convertible seat used in the
rear-facing position until an infant is at least 1 year
of age or 20 pounds.
– Convertible seat in the forward position or
forward-facing seat until a child is at least 5 years
of age or 40 pounds.
– Booster seat until a child is 6 years of age.
– Seat belt until a child is 15 years of age.

70. Safety Belt Law
• The Alabama Safety Belt Law requires that all
front seat occupants, regardless of age, be
restrained.
• This is a primary law and is subject to a fine
when not obeyed.

71. Safety Belts
• Of all safety equipment installed in a vehicle, the
safety belt has the greatest potential for saving lives
and at the least cost.
• The lap belt should be drawn snugly across the
hipbones, never across the abdomen or soft part of
the stomach. The shoulder belt should have just
enough slack to let the driver reach all the important
controls.
• Never wear just the shoulder belt.

72. GREAT HABITS
Every time you get into a vehicle put on your safety belt.
It is a matter of establishing a habit.
Do it EVERY TIME whether you are going to the corner store
or on a long trip.
**REMEMBER: Click it or Ticket!!