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 cellphone ticket.
For most Alabama motorists, there are no restrictions on talking on a cell phone while driving.
However, for motorists who are under the age of 18 and driving with a Stage II license, all handheld communication device use is prohibited while operating a vehicle.
An underage cellphone or texting ticket is considered a traffic violation. The penalties for a violation include $150 to $350 in fines, and two demerit points will be added to the motorist's driving record.
Alabama law prohibits all motorists from operating a vehicle on a public road, street, or highway while using a wireless telecommunication device to write, send, or read a text-based communication. As used in the texting law, "text-based communications" include email, instant messages, and regular text messages.
The texting ban doesn't apply to:
A texting ticket carries a:
A texting violation will also add two points to the motorist's driving record.
Depending on the circumstances, a texting or cellphone violation could also lead to a reckless driving conviction. And if one of these violations results in the death of another person, vehicular homicide charges are a possibility.