As of Tuesday, the safety concern of loitering on a public roadway in Alabama will receive new attention from law enforcement.

Particularly, if that person is interacting with motorists. 

Certain types of loitering are already a criminal offense in the state, such as soliciting and gambling, punishable by a Class C misdemeanor. The law that went into effect this week adds loitering on a public roadway or right-of-way to that list. 

“No person shall stand on a highway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business, or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle, nor for the purpose of distributing any article,” the law reads.

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Last year, Alabama authorities investigated nearly 800 crashes involving pedestrians, 125 of which were fatal. State legislators say the new law will protect drivers and pedestrians. 

“This bill is just where a police officer gives them the option to leave or can take them somewhere to get them some help,” Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery) told WSFA this week. “And if they don’t do either one, then it’s overnight in jail.”

The law includes a specific provision for police officers to work with the violator and get them help, if accepted, such as a ride to emergency housing. 

However, those who continue posing a safety hazard to themselves and motorists could face jail time starting on their first violation.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. Follow him on Twitter @Grayson270