Section 32-5A-173 When local authorities may and shall alter maximum limits. - Alabama Statutes

Section 32-5A-173

When local authorities may and shall alter maximum limits.

(a) Whenever local authorities in their respective jurisdictions determine on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the maximum speed permitted under this article is greater or less than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon a highway or part of a highway, the local authority may determine and declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit thereon which:

(1) Decreases the limit at intersections;

(2) Increases the limit within an urban district but not to more than the maximum rate of speed that may be prescribed by the Governor under subdivision (6) of Section 32-5A-171;

(3) Decreases the limit on any street, unpaved road, or highway under the jurisdiction and control of any county commission; or

(4) Increases the limit on any street, unpaved road, or highway under the jurisdiction and control of any county commission but not to more than the maximum rate of speed that is prescribed under subdivision (3) or by the Governor under subdivision (6) of Section 32-5A-171.

(b) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions shall determine by an engineering and traffic investigation the proper maximum speed for all arterial streets and shall declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit thereon which may be greater or less than the maximum speed permitted under this chapter for an urban district.

(c) Any altered limit established as hereinabove authorized shall be effective at all times or during hours of darkness or at other times as may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street or highway.

(d) Any alteration of maximum limits on state highways or extensions thereof in a municipality by local authorities shall not be effective until the alteration has been approved by the Department of Transportation.

(e) Not more than six alterations as hereinabove authorized shall be made per mile along a street or highway, except in the case of reduced limits at intersections, and the difference between adjacent limits shall not be more than 10 miles per hour.

(Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §8-104; Acts 1985, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 85-998, p. 366, §2; Acts 1994, No. 94-617, p. 1147, §2.)