HB74 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: K.L. Brown
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Motor vehicles, distracted driving, use of cell phone while operating a motor vehicle prohibited, exceptions, Secs. 32-5A-353 to 32-5A-358, inclusive, added; Sec. 32-5A-350 repealed; Secs. 32-5A-351, 32-5A-352, am'd and renumbered, 32-10-8 am'd.
Summary: HB 74 would expand Alabama's distracted-driving law (CiCi and Jay's Law) to ban more wireless-device uses while driving, raise penalties, and add new reporting requirements on rideshare crashes and accident data.
What This Bill Does
It expands prohibited activities to watching, recording, or capturing photos or video, and engaging in voice-based communication, while driving, in addition to text-based messaging; there are specified exemptions. It increases fines for violations and changes driving-record points for multiple offenses. It requires new reporting on accidents involving TNC rideshare drivers and updates uniform accident reports, with annual reporting to the PSC and Legislature. It also creates CiCi and Jay's Law and adjusts related statutes, while clarifying enforcement dates and local-funding considerations.

Who It Affects
Drivers: face new prohibitions on more device uses while driving and higher fines, plus point increases for repeat violations.
TNC/ride-hailing drivers: subject to new accident-reporting requirements and included data in driving records and state reports.
Law enforcement, first responders, and utility workers: remain eligible for exemptions in certain emergency or critical-utility situations.
State and local agencies and the public: new data collection, reporting duties, and funding/administrative changes tied to the law.

Key Provisions
Creates CiCi and Jay's Law (Sections 32-5A-353 to 32-5A-358) defining and prohibiting additional wireless-device uses while driving, with enumerated exemptions.
Prohibits watching/recording video, taking photos, or conducting voice calls, and prohibits physically holding a wireless device while operating a vehicle; text-based messaging remains restricted with existing exemptions.
Preserves and expands exemptions (emergency calls, parked vehicles, GPS navigation with limitations, hands-free use, dash cameras, utility workers, certain professionals, and specific mounted-device scenarios).
Fines: $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, and $300 for third or subsequent violations; driving-record points: two points for first/second convictions and three points for third or subsequent convictions.
Reporting requirements: the Secretary must include whether a TNC driver was involved in accidents on uniform reports; agencies must report traffic-stop statistics (including minority groups) to the DPS; fines from violations go to the State General Fund; no counts costs may be imposed solely for prosecuting this article; annual reporting on TNC accidents to PSC and Legislature.
Section 32-10-8 and related sections are amended to require more detailed accident reports, including TNC involvement; repeal of 32-5A-350 and renumbering/revision of related sections; effective date set for the first day of the third month after Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles