As of June 15, Alabama’s hands-free law is now fully in effect, meaning that those who have a habit of using their phones while driving should take note. Law enforcement officers are now able to issue citations for those who violate the law.
Residents have had a year to adjust to the new law, although law enforcement granted them a grace period of one year to learn about and become accustomed to the change.
Sgt. Jeremy Burkett from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency emphasized that their goal is to ensure that no one feels exploited or taken advantage of. He stated, “It’s important for people to be aware of these things.”
These are the consequences:
- If you commit the 1st violation, you may face a fine of up to $50 and receive 1 point on your driving record.
- The second violation can result in a fine of up to $100 and two points being added to your driving record.
- If you commit a third violation, then you may have to pay a fine of up to $150 and receive three points on your driving record.
If you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record within two years, your license will be suspended.
According to Burkett, the decision to issue a citation for an offense is still subject to the discretion of the officers. They have the option to provide a verbal or written warning, or if they believe it is necessary, they can give a citation.
Finding ways to adapt to change is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. One example of this is answering the phone without using your hands. While it may seem challenging, using just one finger to swipe or press a button is still a viable option to initiate or end a call. By embracing new methods and techniques, we can stay ahead of the curve and keep up with the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Burkett emphasized the importance of being able to use Bluetooth or hands-free devices in vehicles for communication purposes. “A lot of vehicles now have this feature, allowing drivers to talk through the radio or utilize hands-free devices,” he stated.
Texting while driving increases the risk of getting into a wreck by 23 times, as per information provided by Drive Safe Alabama.
