Prattville Police Department
New Law goes into Effect today!
In 2023 Gov. Kay Ivey 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 vehicle is in motion. 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.
Until today, enforcement of this law was only warnings, with no citations. That changes today as this law is now in effect!
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.
