PSA From the Prattville Police Department
June 16, 2023
Gov. Kay Ivey recently signed into law Act 2023-478, which makes it a crime to physically hold a cellular phone or similar device in your hand (and using it) while driving a motor vehicle and is effective immediately (see below about enforcement). This new law (32-5A-350.1) will be a “secondary” violation, which means you cannot be stopped for doing so but may receive a citation for it if stopped for another violation (e.g. crossing in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerving, or otherwise operating the vehicle in an impaired manner) and the officer observes you holding or operating the device while the car is in motion. The first violation of this new law will result in a fine of no more than $50 (not including court costs), and increases by $50 for each subsequent violation within a 24-month period
For those worried, enforcement of this law from now until June 2024 will be warnings ONLY, with no citations until then. This gives you plenty of time to invest in and efficiently use a hands-free device.
Operating a cellular device while driving is just as dangerous as any other distraction where your focus should be on the roadway, not on who is sending you a Snap or TikTok (or even making one while driving….smart). Make sure to utilize hands-free devices that may be installed in a vehicle or invest in a hands-free device so that you don’t fall foul of this new law. Parents, teach your children about this law and how to be safe while operating a motor vehicle…someone’s life, especially their own, could be at risk while looking away even for a second
As always, call us if you should need us.