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Understanding Alabama Distracted Driving Laws
Distractions behind the wheel are more than just annoying. They’re dangerous and can be deadly. In a world dominated by smartphones, fast-paced schedules, and constant stimulation, it’s easy to underestimate how even a moment of distraction can lead to disaster.
Because of how easy it is to take our eyes off the road, distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and fatalities in the United States, including Alabama. In an effort to reduce these dangerous incidents, Alabama has implemented specific distracted driving laws aimed at keeping the roads safer for everyone. Understanding these laws, the types of distractions to watch out for, and the penalties for violating these regulations is crucial for all Alabama drivers.
Whether you’re glancing at your phone in traffic, unwrapping lunch behind the wheel, or adjusting your GPS, these distractions can quickly escalate into life-altering car accidents. That’s why the State of Alabama has taken significant steps to curb distracted driving with strict laws, and why understanding these laws is essential not only for staying safe but also for protecting your legal rights in the event of an accident.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the primary task of safely operating a motor vehicle. These distractions generally fall into one or more of the following three categories:
1. Visual Distractions
These distractions occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Common examples include:
- Reading a text message
- Looking at GPS directions
- Checking on children or pets in the backseat
- Watching videos
- Glancing at scenery
2. Manual Distractions
Manual distractions involve removing one or both hands from the steering wheel. This includes:
- Typing a text
- Eating or drinking
- Reaching for items inside the car
- Adjusting temperature controls or music
3. Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not focused on the road, even if their eyes and hands are engaged. These distractions include:
- Daydreaming
- Stressful or emotional conversations
- Talking on the phone (even hands-free)
- Thinking about work or personal issues
It’s worth noting that some distractions, like texting, fall into all three categories, making them especially dangerous.
Alabama’s Distracted Driving Laws: A Closer Look
To combat distracted driving, Alabama has passed laws that specifically address phone use and other distractions behind the wheel. The aim of these laws is to hold distracted drivers accountable and prevent crashes before they happen.
Texting While Driving in Alabama
Under Alabama Code § 32-5A-350, texting while driving is illegal. This law prohibits:
- Sending text messages
- Reading text messages
- Writing messages or emails while operating a moving vehicle
Texting while driving is classified as a primary offense in Alabama. This means law enforcement officers do not need any other reason to stop and ticket a driver they observe texting while behind the wheel. That makes the law enforceable and highly relevant in determining fault after a crash.
The Hands-Free Law
In 2023, Alabama took its distracted driving legislation a step further by introducing the hands-free law that bans the physical handling of mobile devices while driving.
This law prohibits drivers from:
- Holding a phone to talk or dial a number
- Manually inputting an address into a GPS app
- Browsing the internet or social media
- Recording or watching videos
Drivers are only allowed to use voice-activated technology or mounted systems that can be controlled without holding or touching the device while in motion.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few narrowly defined exceptions to these distracted driving laws. These include:
- Law enforcement and emergency personnel using devices in the line of duty
- Using a device to report an emergency (e.g., calling 911)
- Using a GPS device in a hands-free manner
- Operating a phone while parked or while pulled over and completely stopped
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Alabama
Violating Alabama’s distracted driving laws can result in serious consequences, both criminally and civilly.
Fines and License Points
If you are caught texting or using a handheld phone while driving, you can be fined up to $50 for a first offense. A second offense can lead to a $100 fine and two points, while a third offence can result in a $150 fine and three license points. Accumulating points on your driver’s license can result in higher insurance premiums or losing your driver’s license altogether.
Consequences of Multiple Offenses
Repeat offenders may face more severe consequences, including increased fines and longer license suspensions. For example, if you continue to violate distracted driving laws despite previous citations, you could face stiffer fines and longer periods of ineligibility for driving privileges.
Possible Jail Time for Serious Violations
While jail time is typically not a common penalty for distracted driving violations, it may become a possibility if the distracted driving leads to severe accidents, such as those involving injuries or fatalities. In extreme cases, where reckless driving causes significant harm to others, criminal charges could be brought forth, and the driver could face jail time and a permanent criminal record.
Distracted Driving’s Role in Personal Injury Claims
While Alabama’s distracted driving laws are meant to protect public safety, they also play a vital role in civil litigation, particularly in personal injury cases. If you’re injured by a distracted driver, these laws can help support your case and increase your chances of recovering full compensation.
Proving Negligence
In any personal injury case, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove that the other driver (defendant) acted negligently. Distracted driving, especially when it violates state law, makes this process easier.
For example:
- If a police report or witness confirms the driver was texting, it helps establish negligence.
- Phone records can show the driver was using their device at the time of the crash.
- Video footage or traffic cams can offer visual proof of distraction.
Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Alabama is one of the few states that still follows the contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if the injured party is found even 1% at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any compensation.
This makes distracted driving laws even more important in car accident injury cases. If you were hit by a distracted driver and have clear evidence showing they were in violation of the law, it helps eliminate doubts about shared fault and ensures you have a stronger legal position.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Builds Your Case
At Wettermark Keith, our attorneys take a thorough approach to distracted driving injury claims. We work to:
- Obtain phone and text records
- Interview eyewitnesses and first responders
- Analyze police reports
- Use accident reconstruction experts when needed
- Calculate the full extent of your damages (medical, financial, and emotional)
We also deal directly with insurance companies who often try to minimize payouts by questioning the victim’s role in the accident. With strong evidence of the other driver’s distracted behavior, we can push back effectively and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Real-World Impact: The Cost of Distraction
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving led to the deaths of 3,275 people in 2023. Countless others suffered serious injuries, with many requiring months or even years of recovery.
In Alabama, these crashes are far from rare. Distracted driving is a major factor in collisions on interstates, rural highways, and city streets alike. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and internal injuries
- Psychological trauma such as PTSD or anxiety
These injuries come with long-term costs such as medical bills, lost income, reduced earning potential, and emotional distress. The financial and personal toll can be overwhelming.
Contact a Lawyer for Help with Distracted Driving Accidents in Alabama
If you've been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in Alabama, it’s essential to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process. At Wettermark Keith, our skilled attorneys specialize in distracted driving cases and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. We’ll investigate the cause of the accident, gather crucial evidence, and handle all the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on recovering.
Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we’re dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.
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