Law bans using a phone while driving

There is already a no-texting while driving law in Alabama.

Now, the state has prohibited talking on phones while driving.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation this week outlawing using a phone while driving. It goes into effect immediately.

While Alabama law already prohibits texting while driving, this new law expands that prohibition to holding a device. The use of hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth, earphones or voice-activated devices, remains permissible.

Importantly, it makes holding a phone while driving a secondary offense. Meaning, law enforcement cannot pull a driver over solely for using a phone – but if a driver is speeding or seen to be driving unsafely with a phone in hand – they can also be charged with distracted driving.

RELATED: Unpaid traffic tickets? New law offers grace

The first time a driver is charged under the law within a 2-year period, they could be fined up to $50. If they’re caught a second or third time or more within that 2-year period, the fine can increase up to $150. Multiple violations will impact your driving record.

The bill’s author, Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Birmingham), has a personal connection to the issue: His son died in a car wreck in 1979.

Some legislators argued the bill was too strict, while others expressed concerns the ban would not address other forms of distracted driving, such as eating or putting on makeup while driving.

Waggoner has already shared his intention to strengthen the bill in the coming year to make it a primary offense. 

RELATED: Grocery tax cut goes into effect in September 

The law includes exceptions, such as when a driver is parked, using the phone to call emergency services, or if the driver is law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighters, or utility workers responding to an emergency.

A CDC study found that more than 3,100 people were killed and about 424,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019. One in five of those fatalities were pedestrians – not drivers. 

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270