HB35 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Alan BakerSteve McMillanJim McClendonRandy WoodJim BartonSteve ClouseBarry MaskDuwayne BridgesHoward SanderfordDavid GrimesPhil WilliamsMicky HammonChad FincherJoe FaustRandy DavisH. Mac GipsonMike HillMac McCutcheonGregory CanfieldJay LoveMike BallJack WilliamsDickie DrakeGerald H. AllenJoe HubbardHarry ShiverGreg Wren

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, text messaging or operating a handheld global positioning system (GPS) while operating a motor vehicle on public street, road, or highway prohibited, penalties

Summary

HB35 would ban texting and handheld GPS use while driving on Alabama public roads, with fines, a driving-record point, and related rules.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits operating a motor vehicle while writing, sending, or reading text-based communications or manually inputting data into a handheld GPS or similar device. Violations carry escalating fines ($25 first, $50 second, $75 third or subsequent), with no court costs, and can be treated as a primary or secondary reason for a ticket. A conviction adds one point to the driving record, and insurance rates are not affected or reported to insurers. The bill also outlines how fines are used, requires enforcement and reporting by agencies, and includes a carve-out for voice-operated devices that allow hands-free texting.

Who It Affects

• Drivers in Alabama who text or manually input data into a GPS while driving; they would face fines, a one-point driving record penalty, and related enforcement rules.
• Law enforcement and state/local agencies (including DPS) responsible for enforcing the law, allocating collected funds, and reporting traffic-stop statistics (including minority group data).

Key Provisions

• Prohibits operating a motor vehicle on public roads while writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication or manually inputting data into a handheld GPS or similar navigation device; defines wireless devices and what counts as text-based communication, with an exception for voice-operated devices.
• Penalties: $25 for a first violation, $50 for a second, and $75 for a third or subsequent violation; no court costs; enforcement can be primary or secondary.
• A violation does not automatically affect auto insurance rates or get reported to an insurer; conviction is recorded as a one-point violation on the driving record.
• Funds from violations are allocated to the state; 60% to the Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Division and 40% to the State General Fund (with a referenced alternative provision that all funds could go to the General Fund).
• Officers may not use a violation of this act as probable cause for a vehicle search; agencies must maintain and report monthly statistics on traffic stops related to minority groups to the DPS and Attorney General.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles