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Alabama’s New Hands-Free Driving Law: What You Need To Know
June 17, 2024
Enforcement started over the weekend on a new hands-free law in Alabama
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the first conviction fine of $50 and 1 point on license. The second conviction fine of $100 and two points on license, and the third conviction within a 24 month period is $150 and three points on license.
ALEA said physically holding a wireless telecommunication device is a violation of the law when a driver is observed crossing in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerving, or otherwise operating the vehicle.
The law defines a cellular telephone, a portable telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand- alone computer, a global positioning system receiver, or substantially similar portable wireless device that is used to initiate or receive communication, information, or data.
The law went into effect in June 2023, but only warnings were issued for the first 12 months.
Drivers can only use a single button or swipe of a finger to answer a call. The new hands-free law is a secondary offense, meaning drivers must first be seen committing another traffic violation to be pulled over and receive a citation.
The Alabama Department of Transportation offers the following tips:
- Use Hands-Free Technology – Use Bluetooth devices or dashboard mounts to keep your phone accessible but out of your hands.
- Plan Ahead – Set GPS navigation and music playlists before starting your car to minimize distractions while you are driving.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Comments
11 Responses to “Alabama’s New Hands-Free Driving Law: What You Need To Know”
Bill T,
You don’t have $500.00 dollard for a ticket, be reasonable.
ME, to answer your question. When it looks as though you are escorting a funeral driving in the Left Lane, that should be an indicator that you are driving to slow. You need to move over to the Right Lane, review your drivers manuel over again. The only time you are to pass a vehicle on the Right is when the Vehicle in front of you is making a Left Turn or as Indicated. “You are Impeding Traffic”, and should be given a ticket ME. Even your Alabama Law states that you should be making a Left Hand Turn within 3 miles if you stay in the Left Lane. Hope this is helpful for you.
My vehical in great shape and I never speed.And obeys the traffic rules. Does this mean I can drive in the left lane in the speedlimit and call anyone
@L.B. i have a medical reason to be in the left lane
You all say this on here….until you’re the one stopped.
Seems if the government can track everywhere our phone goes, Software could be attached to the phone that disables it when in motion. Just a Dinasaur with a thought.
Does that include the cops??
@ L.B. Should one move from the left hand lane when they are traveling the speed limit? Just curious?
I would like to see the penalty for distracted driving have some teeth in it.
Treat it like a DUI, the results are the same, the penalty should be too.
I wonder how many more will suffer before anything decent is done.
Let’s hope and pray Florida will follow the rules Alabama has set down !!!! I think it’s a good idea but the fines should start at 500.00 dollars and go up from there !!! How to stop it is hit that wallet
@LB
Great idea. Then maybe how to use a turn signal?
Seriously, get off the phone and concentrate on driving.
Great Idea!!!! Now teach them “SLOW TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT”, so they can stop holding up the left hand lane. You would think that when people see that they are being passed on the Right side, they would realize they need to be in the Right Lane,
.They never make a Left Turn for Miles.