HB6 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen Farley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Motor vehicles, distracted driving, use of cell phone while operating a motor vehicle prohibited, exceptions

Summary

HB 6 would broaden Alabama's distracted-driving laws by banning more device uses while driving, add exemptions for certain duties, and raise penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It would prohibit operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless or standalone electronic device to write, send, or read text-based communications and would ban holding or supporting the device with the body. It would also ban watching, recording, or capturing photos or videos with these devices while driving. It adds exemptions for hands-free voice communications, continuous recording devices such as dash cameras, utility workers responding to emergencies, and law enforcement and other first responders during official duties. It would raise fines for violations and make third or subsequent violations count as three-point violations on the driving record, with the law taking effect three months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Drivers in Alabama would be restricted from using or holding devices for text-based communications while driving and could face higher fines and three-point penalties for repeat offenses.
• Public safety and utility personnel would have exemptions to use devices in the course of official duties or emergencies.

Key Provisions

• Expands the prohibition to include standalone electronic devices and prohibits using such devices to write, send, or read text-based communications while driving.
• Prohibits physically holding or supporting any wireless or standalone device with the body while driving and bans watching, recording, or capturing video or photos with the device.
• Adds exemptions for hands-free voice-based communication, continuous recording devices (dash/backup cameras), utility workers responding to emergencies, and law enforcement/other first responders during official duties.
• Increases penalties for violations and changes driving-record points so third or subsequent violations are three-point offenses.
• Defines key terms such as standalone electronic device, text-based communication, wireless telecommunication device, and utility services.
• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage; notes related to local-funding requirements apply but the bill is structured to fall within specified exceptions.

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