HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — If you're a new Huntsville resident, you may have noticed several drivers turn on their hazard lights when it's a downpour. It's probably illegal where you're from, but is it illegal in the state of Alabama.
FOX54 Keneisha Deas has the answers with this Verify segment!
THE QUESTION:
It's severe weather season in the Tennessee Valley and we know visibility is important while on the road.
Is it illegal to drive with your hazards on when it rains?
Let's verify!
THE SOURCES:
AAA
THE ANSWER:
So, we can verify that no, it is not illegal to drive with your hazards on when it rains.
WHAT WE FOUND:
According to AAA, in about half of U.S. states, it's illegal to drive anywhere with your hazard lights on. That's not the case in Alabama. Drivers here can use their hazard lights when driving. There's no law preventing it.
According to AAA, in the state of Alabama, it states "the use of hazard lights is permitted while driving unless otherwise posted."
Here's what Alabama code title section 32-5-241 states:
"Any vehicle may be equipped with flashing lamps which may be used for the purpose of warning the operators of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing."
Madison County Sheriff's Office along with an ALEA state trooper also shared what to do on the road during severe weather. Of course, we hope you're not on the road - but in the event that it's a downpour. Drivers must either turn on their bright or emergency lights during severe weather.