[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/blog\/distracted-driving-laws\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/blog\/distracted-driving-laws\/","headline":"Distracted Driving Laws in Alabama","name":"Distracted Driving Laws in Alabama","description":"According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed over 3,000 people and injured about 325,000 more in one recent year. In response to such staggering statistics, Alabama passed a distracted driving law in 2012. This law banned texting while driving except in certain circumstances. To learn...","datePublished":"2022-10-25","dateModified":"2025-10-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/about-us\/#Person","name":"Stokes Stemle, LLC","url":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/about-us\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c02b76809a8bb1e2e89ae628639dd275e08bc9cd4fb207fd202cad74bbeb604f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c02b76809a8bb1e2e89ae628639dd275e08bc9cd4fb207fd202cad74bbeb604f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Stokes Stemle, LLC - Personal Injury Attorneys","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/stokeslogo600x60.jpg","url":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/stokeslogo600x60.jpg","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Alabama-law-on-texting-and-driving.jpg","url":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Alabama-law-on-texting-and-driving.jpg","height":600,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/blog\/distracted-driving-laws\/","about":["Car Accidents"],"wordCount":475,"articleBody":"According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed over 3,000 people and injured about 325,000 more in one recent year. In response to such staggering statistics, Alabama passed a distracted driving law in 2012. This law banned texting while driving except in certain circumstances. To learn more about the laws, their meaning, who they apply to, and exceptions to the rule, contact Stokes Stemle, LLC today.Alabama Laws on Distracted DrivingUnder Alabama\u2019s law on texting and driving, a person cannot drive on a public roadway while using a wireless telecommunication device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.A \u201cwireless telecommunication device\u201d includes several types of devices:Handheld cell phoneText-messaging devicePersonal digital assistantLaptops or tabletsSimilar wireless, portable devicesIt is important to note that this does not include voice-operated texting devices, which are common in newer vehicles.A \u201ctext-based communication\u201d includes:Text messageInstant messageE-mailThis does not include phone numbers or names stored in a wireless cell phone. Drivers can still place and receive phone calls while driving.Alabama\u2019s Distracted Driving Laws for MinorsWhile adults can still use their wireless cell phones for other purposes, such as placing or receiving phone calls, drivers under 18 with a Stage II license cannot use a cell phone at all while driving.Teenagers are particularly at risk of getting into an accident due to distracted driving. According to NHTSA research, teen drivers who dial a phone number are six times more likely to get in an accident. Texting teen drivers are 23 times more likely to crash.  Penalties for Texting and Driving in AlabamaThe penalty for violating Alabama\u2019s distracted driving laws includes the following fines and two demerit points on the driver\u2019s record:A $25 fine for the first violationA $50 fine for the second violationA $75 fine for the third or subsequent violationExceptions to Alabama\u2019s Distracted Driving LawsThere are exceptions to Alabama\u2019s distracted driving laws, including:Emergencies \u2013 Drivers can still use their cell phones to obtain emergency services. For example, drivers can call the police, fire department, or a health care provider while driving.When pulled over \u2013 Drivers can use their cell phones when pulled over and parked on the shoulder of a roadway.For directions \u2013 Drivers can use their cell phones for pre-programmed directions. However, typing a destination into an app such as Google Maps or Waze is still against the law.Talk to Our Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys in Montgomery, AL TodayDespite Alabama\u2019s laws on distracted driving and the well-known risks of texting while driving, many Alabama drivers continue to text and drive. This causes preventable accidents every day. If a distracted driver injured you, contact the Montgomery car accident attorneys at Stokes Stemle, LLC to discuss your legal options during a free consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Distracted Driving Laws in Alabama","item":"https:\/\/stokesstemle.com\/blog\/distracted-driving-laws\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]