In an attempt to keep Alabama motorists focused on the road, the Huntsville City Council has revised its ordinances to crack down on distracted drivers. Huntsville has publicly shared this information on their website, announcing that the changes will take effect on January 1, 2024.
Under the new rules, fines will be imposed for texting while driving, which will advance from a secondary to a primary offense. Under the current system, law enforcement can issue a citation for cell phone violations only if the person has been stopped for some other traffic violation first. Once the rules change, texting while driving will be sufficient reason to pull someone over and issue a ticket.
“Our existing ordinance is very hard to enforce, so I’m thankful to my colleagues with the City Council for voting to strengthen this law,” said Council Member David Little. “Nearly 15 years since I was seriously hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, I’m grateful to be here today and will continue to be an advocate for safer roads.”
Huntsville Police Chief, Kirk Giles, said that during the initial six months under the new ordinances, the police force will familiarize themselves with the new ordinances and hold off on issuing citations during that time. Once the new rules truly kick in, violators will be subject to a $50 for a first conviction; $100 for a second conviction; and $150 for a third conviction and/or community service.
Under the new ordinances posted by the Huntsville City Council, drivers can be fined for the following offenses:
- Using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, read or otherwise engage in any text-based communication;
- Watching, recording or capturing a photo or video;
- Engaging in voice-based communication while holding a wireless telecommunications device; or
- Physically holding or otherwise supporting a wireless telecommunications device with any part of their body.
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