Driving Too Slowly in Alabama

Driving too slowly might seem harmless, but in Alabama, it can actually land you in trouble. While most traffic laws focus on speeding, there are specific situations where driving below the speed limit can be just as dangerous—and illegal.

When Is Driving Too Slowly Illegal?

Under Alabama law, driving too slowly is prohibited when it impedes the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. This is especially relevant on highways, where slower vehicles can create hazardous conditions by disrupting traffic patterns.

Key Situations That Can Trigger a Violation

• Left-lane cruising: Drivers should not remain in the left lane unless passing. Doing so at a slower speed can lead to tickets under Alabama’s Move Over Law.
• Failing to match traffic flow: On highways or interstates, vehicles that go significantly slower than surrounding traffic can create bottlenecks or encourage dangerous passing.
• Hindering emergency vehicles: Slow drivers can prevent first responders from reaching their destination quickly, which can be seen as a violation.

Enforcement and Penalties

While police may not pull someone over just for driving a few miles under the speed limit, they can issue citations if a vehicle is clearly impeding traffic.

Slow driving offenses may be treated as minor moving violations, but they can still result in:

• Fines
• Points on your license (see the Alabama Traffic Points System)
• Higher insurance premiums

In severe cases, it could even be considered Reckless Driving, especially if it leads to a crash or forces other drivers to take evasive action.

Related Driving Behaviors

Driving too slowly often overlaps with or contributes to other violations:

• Distracted driving: See Alabama Distracted Driving Laws
• Road rage from frustrated drivers: Covered under Alabama Road Rage Laws
• Tailgating: Others may follow too closely when stuck behind a slow driver (Following Too Closely in Alabama)

Safety and Common Sense

It's important to remember that speed limits are not just maximums—they can also act as minimums in certain contexts. Drivers should:

• Stay in the right lane unless passing
• Match the speed of surrounding traffic when safe
• Use hazard lights or pull over if driving significantly below the speed limit is necessary

If your vehicle can't keep up with traffic due to mechanical issues, you could be cited just like you would for Driving Without Insurance or Driving Without a License.

What to Do If You’re Cited

If you're issued a ticket for driving too slowly, it's important to respond promptly. Ignoring it could lead to further complications like a Suspended License or increased penalties.

You may also want to review Alabama Speeding Laws to better understand how speed-related offenses are handled in the state.

Driving too slowly might not seem like a serious offense, but in Alabama, it can be a real hazard. By maintaining a safe and consistent speed, respecting traffic flow, and knowing when it’s appropriate to slow down, drivers can avoid citations and keep the roads safer for everyone.