Alabama's distracted driving laws prohibit text messaging for all drivers and talking on a cell phone for only certain drivers. This article discusses the specifics of what the laws prohibit and the costs of a texting or cell phone ticket.
Alabama's distracted driving laws cover texting, cell phone use, and other doing other distracting activities while driving. The law states a motorist "shall not engage in any actions prohibited by law which shall distract the individual from the safe operation of the vehicle." (Ala. Code § 32-5A-350.1.)
More specifically, Alabama's distracted driving law says distracted driving includes "crossing in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerving, or otherwise operating the vehicle in an impaired manner while":
However, the text-messaging provision doesn't apply to voice-operated technologies and there are some exceptions for GPS devices.
A distracted driving violation is generally a class C misdemeanor in Alabama. A violation carries:
However, a driver can avoid a conviction for a first offense by producing in court proof of acquiring a hands-free device.
For underage drivers (those under 18), a distracted driving violation will generally result in $150 to $350 in fines and two violation points and can delay the licensing process.