TRAFFIC LAWSALABAMA COURSE OF STUDY #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 AND

#7Describe 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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)

Alabama’s Basic Speed LawComparison:• 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

NO PASSING ZONENO PASSING ZONE

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

NOPASSINGZONE

PAVEMENT MARKINGS FOR NO PASSING AREASPAVEMENT MARKINGS FOR NO PASSING AREAS– Solid yellow lines: If solid on your side of the centerline you may not Solid yellow lines: If solid on your side of the centerline you may not

pass. pass.

– If two solid yellow lines: passing is not allowed in either direction.If two solid yellow lines: passing is not allowed in either direction.

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

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.

TRAFFIC CONTROLS

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Traffic Lights

RedRed• 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).

YellowYellow• A circular steady yellow means clear the

intersection. It follows a green signal. You must not enter the intersection on a yellow light.

GreenGreen• 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.

Flashing RedFlashing 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 YellowFlashing Yellow• A flashing yellow light means slow down

and use extra caution.

Green Arrow Green Arrow (protected turn)(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.

YELLOW ARROWYELLOW ARROW

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

TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS

• The standard order of the traffic control signal is greengreen--yellowyellow--redred.

• 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.

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.

Lane Use Control SignalsReversible 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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

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

Pavement MarkingsPavement Markings

• Centerline: This is the painted stripe in the Centerline: This is the painted stripe in the center of the road which separates traffic center of the road which separates traffic proceeding in opposite directions.proceeding in opposite directions.– Broken Lines: Used in areas where there are no Broken Lines: Used in areas where there are no

restrictions on passing when safe to do so.restrictions on passing when safe to do so.

– PAVEMENT MARKINGSPAVEMENT MARKINGS

Zone

Schoo

l

White solid lines are used to denote pedestrian crosswalks at intersections.White solid lines are used to denote pedestrian crosswalks at intersections.

Some intersections are marked with a broad white line called a stop line. 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 This line is prior to the crosswalk and is the line that drivers should stop behind at a stop sign or traffic signal.behind at a stop sign or traffic signal.

In some areas, pavement messages are used to warn of conditions ahead In some areas, pavement messages are used to warn of conditions ahead such as SCHOOL ZONE. Another could be RR CROSSINGsuch as SCHOOL ZONE. Another could be RR CROSSING

• Multi-lane, two-way roadwaysMulti-lane, two-way roadways– Crossing center-line permitted only as part of left turn Crossing center-line permitted only as part of left turn

maneuver.maneuver.

– Some roadways have a center lane marked by parallel solid and broken lines with white arrows that point 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 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 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. clan also move into the shared left turn land and WAIT (not drive in the lane) for a gap in traffic.

• Multi-lane, one way roadwaysMulti-lane, one way roadways– Broken white lines permits changing lanes when safe to do so. All Broken white lines permits changing lanes when safe to do so. All

traffic is moving in the same directiontraffic is moving in the same direction

– Solid white lines prohibits the changing of lanes.Solid white lines prohibits the changing of lanes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GREAT HABITSEvery 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!!