March 28, 2026

Alabama Bill Would Expand Municipal Speed Enforcement Beyond City Limits

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

March 28, 2026

MONTGOMERY, Ala. A new bill making its way through Alabama’s legislative session will give police more authority to enforce speed limits even outside of their city or town’s limit.

The bill which was introduced late in the session would allow municipal police to enforce speed limits outside city limits, extending their authority into surrounding police jurisdictions.
Essentially, this would mean that more than one police agency could enforce these laws in the same area.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Kristin Nelson (R) and first read on March 19, would amend state law to permit municipalities to enforce speed limits not only within their corporate boundaries but also in adjacent areas that fall under their police jurisdiction.

With the growth of many areas of our state and the increased wrecks most often caused by speeding and reckless drivers, some law enforcement agencies say it makes sense.

Under current law, municipal law enforcement officers are limited to enforcing speed regulations strictly within city limits. The proposed change would broaden that authority, potentially increasing enforcement coverage in unincorporated areas just outside municipalities.

The bill is currently in the House Public Safety and Homeland Security committee.

If approved, the legislation would take effect Oct. 1, 2026

Also read “Crossing Lines” Police Jurisdiction Confusion