SB1 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Cell phones and other wireless telecommunication devices, use while holding or touching devise prohibited, penalties, exceptions, Sec. 32-5A-350 am'd.

Summary

SB 1 would ban driving while holding or touching wireless or stand-alone electronic devices, set penalties for violations, and include specific safety exceptions.

What This Bill Does

The bill makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while using a wireless device to write, send, or read text-based communications, and it also prohibits physically holding or supporting a wireless or stand-alone electronic device while driving. It defines what counts as a stand-alone electronic device and a wireless device, and it lists situations that are allowed, such as hands-free voice communication, pre-programmed navigation, emergencies, or parked vehicles. Violations have a tiered fine structure and enforcement authority can treat the offense as a primary reason for issuing a ticket; there are also provisions for exceptions and a court-ordered path to avoid guilt if the violator shows they will comply in the future. The act is effective October 1, 2019, and includes notes about local funding requirements under Amendment 621, with certain exceptions.

Who It Affects

• Drivers in Alabama who operate motor vehicles; they would be prohibited from holding or using certain devices while driving and would face fines if they violate the rule, with specific allowed exceptions.
• Local governments and taxpayers; the bill would be considered to involve a new or increased local expenditure but is designed to fall under constitutional exceptions that avoid a 2/3 vote requirement for local approval.

Key Provisions

• Defines stand-alone electronic device and wireless telecommunications device, and specifies that a wireless device includes items like cell phones, PDAs, GPS receivers, and similar portable devices used to write, send, or read text or data.
• Prohibits operating a motor vehicle on public roads while using a wireless device to write, send, or read text-based communications, and prohibits holding or supporting such devices while driving.
• Allows certain exceptions, including voice-based communication (hands-free), navigation/directions, emergency services, and when the vehicle is parked; also permits use by trained public safety personnel in official duties.
• Imposes a tiered fine structure for violations, with separate offenses for each violation and the possibility of a court-ordered future-compliance citation; law enforcement may issue citations citing this as the primary offense.

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

Subjects

Cellular Telephones