Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Alabama

According to Drive Safe Alabama, distracted driving is anything that can take your attention away from the primary task of driving.

These distractions include:

• Mobile phone use, including calls, conversations, and text messages
• Food or drink
• Applying makeup
• Conversation with passengers
• Reading
• Looking at the navigation system
• Setting up a radio, CD or MP3 player
• Video viewing

Teenagers between the ages of 16 and 17 who hold a driver's license for less than six months are prohibited from using a mobile phone or any other mobile device at any time while driving. This includes sending or receiving instant messages, email, and text messages, according to the DMV website. In Alabama, a driver who texts is 23 times more likely to have an accident than a driver who does not text while driving.

For drivers of all ages, communication via mobile phone, computer, digital assistant, text messaging device, or any other device that can send and receive messages cannot be used while driving on the road. This does not apply to a device that can be fully controlled by voice, which you use without any hand, except for activating or deactivating the voice control function.

In Alabama, it is legal to receive cell phone calls while driving. However, the Department of Public Safety strongly recommends that you pull over to the side of the road, use a speakerphone, and avoid talking about emotionally charged topics. This is necessary for your safety and the safety of others.

Fines

If you are caught violating any of these laws, you will be fined:

• The first violation consists of a $25 fine.
• For a second violation, the fine increases to $50.
• For a third and permanent violation, the fine is $75.

Exceptions

The only exceptions to this law are when you use your mobile phone to call emergency services, make phone calls from the side of the road, or use a navigation system with pre-programmed directions.

AttentionA: If you enter a destination in the GPS while driving, it is against the law, so be sure to do so in advance.

In Alabama, it's best to pull over when you need to make or answer a phone call, read an email, or send a text message. This is recommended to minimize distractions and ensure the safety of all road users.