§32-5A-171. Maximum limits.

Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with Section 32-5A-170, the limits hereinafter specified or established as hereinafter authorized shall be maximum lawful speeds, and no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of the maximum limits.

(1) No person shall operate a vehicle in excess of 30 miles per hour in any urban district.

(2)a. No person shall operate a motor vehicle in excess of 35 miles per hour on any unpaved road. For purposes of this chapter the term unpaved road shall mean any highway under the jurisdiction of any county, the surface of which consists of natural earth, mixed soil, stabilized soil, aggregate, crushed sea shells, or similar materials without the use of asphalt, cement, or similar binders.

b. No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any county-maintained paved road in an unincorporated area of the state at a speed in excess of 45 miles per hour unless a different maximum speed is established under authority granted in subdivision (6) or as provided in subdivision (7) subject to the maximum rate of speed provided in subdivision (3).

(3) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the highways in this state, other than interstate highways or highways having four or more traffic lanes, at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour at any time unless a different maximum rate of speed is authorized by the Governor under authority granted in subdivision (6) or as provided in subdivision (7).

(4) No person shall operate a motor vehicle, on an interstate highway within the State of Alabama, at a speed in excess of 70 miles per hour or on any other highway having four or more traffic lanes at a speed in excess of 65 miles per hour, unless a different maximum rate of speed is authorized by the Governor under authority granted in subdivision (6) or as provided in subdivision (7). Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, any portion of Corridor X/I-22 which is open between the Alabama/Mississippi state line and the Jefferson County line shall be considered an interstate highway for the purpose of the maximum speed limit on the highway.

(5) Notwithstanding any provisions of this section to the contrary, no person shall operate a passenger vehicle, motor truck, or passenger bus which carries or transports explosives or flammable liquids, as defined in Section 32-1-1.1, or hazardous wastes, as defined in Section 22-30-3(5), in this state unless the vehicle, truck, or bus prominently displays a current decal, plate, or placard which is required by the rules or regulations of the DOT or the PSC which indicates or warns that the vehicle, truck, or bus is carrying or transporting the substances. No person shall operate the vehicle, truck, or bus at a rate of speed greater than 55 miles per hour at any time unless a different maximum rate of speed is authorized by the Governor under authority granted in subdivision (6) or as provided in subdivision (7).

(6) The Governor may prescribe the maximum rate of speed whenever a different rate of speed is required by federal law in order for Alabama to receive federal funds for highway maintenance and construction.

(7) The maximum speed limits set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in Sections 32-5A-172 and 32-5A-173.

(8) A law enforcement officer or a peace officer of any incorporated municipality or town which has less than 19,000 inhabitants according to the most recent federal decennial census shall not enforce this section on any interstate highway.

(9) Any speed limit set pursuant to this section shall be enforced by any municipality or any law enforcement officer of a municipality only within the corporate limits of the municipality and not within the police jurisdiction of the municipality.

(Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §8-102; Acts 1987, No. 87-408, p. 593; Acts 1994, No. 94-617, p. 1147, §1; Acts 1996, No. 96-577, p. 913, §1; Act 2010-564, p. 1143, §1.)