Alabama § 32-5A-177 - Charging Violations; Burden of Proof in Civil Actions; Arrest for Violation of Speed Laws Communicated from Officer Operating Measuring Device to Another Officer; Testimony Derived from Use of Speed Measuring Device.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 32-5A-177 — Charging Violations; Burden of Proof in Civil Actions; Arrest for Violation of Speed Laws Communicated from Officer Operating Measuring Device to Another Officer; Testimony Derived from Use of Speed Measuring Device., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-5A-177. Charging Violations; Burden of Proof in Civil Actions; Arrest for Violation of Speed Laws Communicated from Officer Operating Measuring Device to Another Officer; Testimony Derived from Use of Speed Measuring Device.
(a) In every charge of violation of any speed regulation in this article the complaint, also the summons or notice to appear, shall specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven, also the maximum speed applicable within the district or at the location.
(b) The provision of this article declaring maximum speed limitations shall not be construed to relieve the plaintiff in any action from the burden of proving negligence on the part of the defendant as the proximate cause of an accident.
(c) Any state trooper, upon receiving information relayed to him or her from a fellow officer stationed on the ground or in the air operating a speed measuring device that a driver of a vehicle has violated the speed laws of this state, may arrest the driver for violation of the laws where reasonable and proper identification of the vehicle and the speed of same has been communicated to the arresting officer.
(d) A witness otherwise qualified to testify shall be competent to give testimony against an accused violator of the motor vehicle laws of this state when such testimony is derived from the use of such speed measuring device used in the calculation of speed, upon showing that the speed measuring device which was used had been tested. However, the operator of any visual average speed computer device shall first be certified as a competent operator of such device by the department.
(e) Any person accused pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be entitled to have the officer actually operating the device appear in court and testify upon oral or written motion.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 32-5A-177
What does Code of Alabama § 32-5A-177 cover?
Section 32-5A-177 ("Charging Violations; Burden of Proof in Civil Actions; Arrest for Violation of Speed Laws Communicated from Officer Operating Measuring Device to Another Officer; Testimony Derived from Use of Speed Measuring Device.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 32-5A-177?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 32-5A-177" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 32-5A-177 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.