SB196 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve French

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Larry DixonGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyMyron PennWendell MitchellBobby D. SingletonArthur OrrHenry Eugene “Hank” Erwin Jr.Lowell BarronBobby DentonZeb LittleBen H. BrooksDel MarshJ.T. WaggonerCharles Bishop

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, text messaging while operating a motor vehicle on public street, road, or highway prohibited, penalties

Summary

SB196 would ban texting and handheld GPS use while driving on public roads in Alabama and set penalties and related rules.

What This Bill Does

It would make it illegal to write, send, or read text-based messages on a wireless device or to manually use a handheld GPS while driving. Offenders would face escalating fines ($25 first, $50 second, $75 third or later) with no court costs, and a conviction would add one point to the driving record; enforcement can be a primary or a secondary offense. It also directs how fines are spent, prohibits certain searches tied to the violation, requires data collection on traffic stops by minority groups, and notes an exemption from local funding rules; it becomes effective after passage and gubernatorial approval.

Who It Affects

• Drivers and vehicle operators in Alabama would be banned from texting or using a handheld GPS while driving, and would face fines and a driving-record point for violations.
• Law enforcement agencies and the Department of Public Safety would enforce the rule, collect funds from fines (60% to DPS, 40% to the State General Fund), and compile monthly data on traffic stops by minority groups.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits operating a motor vehicle on public roads while writing, sending, or reading text-based communications on a wireless device or while manually using a handheld GPS or similar navigation device.
• Defines wireless telecommunications device to include handheld cell phones, text-messaging devices, PDAs, stand-alone computers, or other removable wireless devices used to write, send, or read text or data; specifies that reading or entering a phone number or name to make a call is not part of the prohibited activity.
• Penalties: $25 for a first violation, $50 for a second, and $75 for a third or subsequent violation; no court costs; conviction is entered as one driving-record point; enforcement can be a primary or secondary violation.
• Violations do not automatically affect auto insurance or get reported to insurance providers.
• Fines collected are distributed 60% to the Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Division, and 40% to the State General Fund.
• A violation cannot be used as probable cause to search the vehicle; law enforcement cannot search the vehicle solely because of this violation.
• All state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies must maintain and monthly report statistics on traffic stops involving minority groups to the Department of Public Safety and the Attorney General.
• The bill is exempt from local government funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval by the Governor, or when it otherwise becomes law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles