Starting June 1, Alabama’s “Hands-Free” law, aimed at reducing distracted driving, will be enforced by state troopers and police. This legislation, passed last year, makes it illegal to use electronic devices like cell phones while driving unless they are used hands-free.
According to Lt. Scott Owens, Public Information Officer for the Dothan Police Department, motorists must find alternative ways to operate their cellular devices without holding them. While officers cannot stop drivers solely for holding a phone, they can issue tickets if they observe another traffic violation. Using a phone is thus considered a secondary offense.
Penalties for Violations:
First Violation: $50 fine and one point on your driver’s license.
Second Violation: $100 fine and two points on your driver’s license.
Third Violation: $150 fine and three points on your driver’s license.
More than Three Violations: Potential license suspension.
To comply with the law, drivers are encouraged to use hands-free options, such as speakerphones, earpieces, wireless headsets, or vehicle-integrated phone systems.
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