Calhoun County, AL – Recently Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation aiming to reduce distracted driving that went into effect immediately. Many Alabamians are asking what these changes mean for them. It is now against the law to hold a phone while driving in Alabama. This new law makes it a secondary offense to hold a phone while driving, including while talking on the phone. This means you won’t be pulled over specifically for using a phone, but if you are pulled over for another reason there could be additional charges if you were on your phone. Using handsfree bluetooth such as earpieces or other voice-activated devices is still legal.
The specifics of the bill states other specific reasons to be pulled over like physically holding a phone, writing, sending, or reading any text based communication, and using a device for navigation while operating a motor vehicle. Each violation is potentially considered a separate offense. If found guilty of violating these expanded laws the person would be considered guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. There are three potential ways for punishment:
- The first offense is a fine no greater than $50, a first-point violation.
- The second offense within the 24-month time, measured by any previous convictions, results in a fine no greater than $100, a second-point violation.
- The third or following offenses within the 24-month time frame, measured by any previous convictions, receive a fine no greater than $150, a third-point violation.
There are a few exceptions to the laws laid out such as using a phone to contact emergency services while operating a vehicle, using a phone while pulled over on the shoulder of a road, and using a phone for navigation without manually inputting anything. Also there is a one year grace period, according to the bill, where law enforcement would only issue warnings and no citations.
To read the full legislation click here.
