Hands on the wheel: Alabama law focuses on distracted driving

“Put the phone down. Eyes on the road. Hands on the wheel.”

It’s a simple as that. And, in Alabama, it’s deadly simple.

In 2022, almost 7% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities in the state were caused by distracted driving. So, in response, the Alabama Legislature passed a law last year intended to slow the increasing number of people being killed by distracted drivers.

“Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today,” said Allison Green, Drive Safe Alabama coordinator for the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Beginning in June, state and local law enforcement officers can issue tickets to anyone observed making a call while holding a cell phone, or while holding a cell phone to text, search the internet, use a video function or for other activities.

In other words, cellular devices are no longer permitted in drivers’ hands, and if they are caught, they are subject to a misdemeanor traffic offense, a fine and points on their driving record.

Drivers can only use a single button or swipe of a finger to answer a call. The hands-free law was passed with a one-year grace period with written warnings until June, when the grace period ends. Alabama’s new hands-free law is a secondary offense, meaning you first must be observed committing any other traffic offense to receive a citation.

First offenses will cost drivers $50 and a point on their driving record. The second offense will increase to $100 and two points if the driver violates the hands-free law within 24 months of their first offense. And if drivers haven’t learned their lesson after three citations, it will cost them $150, and three points will be added to their driving record.

The new hands-free law was passed in memory of Leah Grace Tarvin, CiCi Lunsford and Jay Kendall, three Alabamians whose tragic deaths were concluded by investigations to be related to distracted driving.

ALDOT shares these tips on how to go hands-free:

1. Use Hands-Free Technology – Use Bluetooth devices or dashboard mounts to keep your phone accessible but out of your hands.
2. Plan Ahead – Set GPS navigation and music playlists before starting your car to minimize distractions while you are driving.
3. Silence Notifications – Turn off notifications, use a “do not disturb” setting or put your phone in airplane mode so you aren’t tempted to look at your phone while behind the wheel.
4. Pull Over if Necessary – If you must use your phone, drive to a location safely off the road, like a parking lot, before putting your phone in your hand.
5. Put Your Phone Away – The simplest way to comply with Alabama’s hands-free law is to ignore your phone. Place your phone in the glove compartment, in your purse or in the backseat. If your phone is out of sight, the road is first thing on your mind and in your sight.

“Distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves,” Green said. “They are a danger to everyone else on the road.”