US 45 and SR 17 assume a northwestward trajectory as they leave Mobile heading towards the Mississippi state line.

Near the small community of Deer Park in southern Washington County, SR 17 diverts from US 45 and becomes a signed route.

After the split from US 45, SR 17 assumes a general northerly orientation as it passes through rural areas and small towns in western Alabama.

The route passes through the Black Belt, historically one of the poorer areas of the state.

After leaving Mobile, the route does not pass through any towns whose population exceeds 5,000 until it approaches Hamilton in Marion County.