Motor vehicles, distracted driving, use of cell phone while operating a motor vehicle prohibited, exceptions, Secs. 32-5A-353 to 32-5A-358, inclusive, added; Sec. 32-5A-350 repealed; Secs. 32-5A-351, 32-5A-352, am'd and renumbered, 32-10-8 am'd.
Impact
This legislation will significantly affect existing traffic laws in Alabama related to distracted driving. It amends and renumbers various sections in the Code of Alabama and repeals the previous law regarding penalties for using wireless devices while driving. Under HB24, fines are structured to increase with the number of offenses, thus reinforcing compliance. The first infraction will incur a fine of $100, while a third or subsequent infraction could reach $300. This proposed change aims to instill a sense of accountability among drivers regarding their use of devices while driving.
Summary
House Bill 24 intends to enhance public safety by imposing stricter regulations on the use of wireless telecommunications devices while operating a motor vehicle. The legislation aims to prohibit not just texting but also watching, viewing, recording, or capturing images and videos while driving. By broadening the scope of distracted driving offenses, HB24 targets activities that could divert a driver’s attention, thereby aiming to reduce the occurrence of accidents related to these distractions. The bill proposes criminal penalties that escalate with repeated violations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these new guidelines.
Contention
There may be potential points of contention surrounding the legislation, particularly regarding the implications for local governments and law enforcement. The bill does not mandate local governmental entities to approve the changes, which could lead to concerns over local authority versus state control. Additionally, the exemptions outlined in the bill, such as allowing emergency service personnel to use devices while on duty, may prompt discussions on the practicality of enforcing these regulations uniformly among the general driving population. Critics of similar laws in the past have also raised concerns over the potential for disproportionate enforcement against specific demographics, particularly if law enforcement is authorized to treat these violations as primary reasons for issuing citations.
Motor vehicles, disbursement of fines and fees from driving without a valid license plate, special access parking violations, and disability parking violations further provided for