Everything You Need to Know About Alabama’s Texting and Driving Laws

Under Alabama law, texting and driving is a primary offense that carries a $25 fine and adds two points to your driving record.
Written by Samuel Todd
Edited by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
In
Alabama
, texting and driving is a primary offense that comes with a $25 fine and adds two points to your driving record.
Although Alabama doesn’t ban the use of handheld devices for drivers, the state does prohibit all text-based messaging in an effort to reduce
distracted driving
in the state. Alabama has the second-highest rate of fatal car accidents in the United States. In 2017 alone, distracted driving caused at least 40 fatalities in the state. 
Alabama isn’t alone in its mission to end texting and driving. In fact, 48 states have banned texting while driving, and each one has developed a unique set of laws to tackle the problem. 
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What are the texting and driving laws in Alabama?

Texting and driving is a primary offense in Alabama. This means that you can be pulled over just for texting even if you aren’t committing any other traffic violations.
Specifically, “texting and driving” refers to all text-based messaging, including:
  • Text messages
  • E-mails
  • Instant messages
  • Snapchat messages (or similar types of messaging)
Keep in mind that there is some flexibility written into the law. So, if you’re using your phone to send messages on the newest social media app, it’s probably prohibited by law—even if the app isn’t specifically included in Alabama’s statute.

Are there exceptions to Alabama’s texting and driving law?

Alabama does allow you to use your phone while driving in certain situations—for example, if you’re dialing a phone number to make a call. Here’s a quick run-down of exceptions to Alabama’s texting and driving laws:
  • You can use your phone to contact emergency services (police, paramedics, etc.)
  • You can use a device while parked on the shoulder of the street
  • You can use your phone as a GPS to give you pre-programmed directions (if you’re looking up directions as you drive, that’s still a violation!)
Key Takeaway Under Alabama law, all text-based messaging is prohibited while driving. You can still use your phone to contact emergency services, view pre-loaded directions, or text while you’re parked on the shoulder of the road.

What are the penalties for texting and driving in Alabama?

For your first violation, you’ll face a $25 fine and have two points added to your driving record. Subsequent violations carry steeper penalties.
Here’s how it all works out:
Offense Number
Fine
Points on license
1st offense
$25
2 points
2nd offense
$50
2 points
3rd and subsequent offenses
$75
2 points
While the fine may seem like a slap on the wrist, the points on your driving record can add up quickly. In Alabama, getting more than 12 points on your record in 2 years will result in a suspension of your driving license—so it’s best to be extra cautious and save your texts until you arrive!

Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers?

Yes. In Alabama, there is a ban against all cell phone usage for drivers who are younger than 16 or 17-year-old drivers who have had their intermediate license for less than 6 months.
A
2018 study
by the Journal of Adolescent Health found that 43% of teen drivers in Alabama text while driving. Numerous reports have shown that
texting while driving
is especially dangerous for young drivers. In response to these growing concerns over road safety for teen drivers, Alabama has strengthened the cell phone ban against adolescents.
MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?

Unfortunately, a ticket for texting while driving will likely cause your
auto insurance rates
to spike.
Distracted driving tickets
may not carry hefty fines, but they can do some serious damage to your savings account in the long run.
Let’s check out the numbers: in Alabama, a driver with a clean record pays $1,331 each year on car insurance. After a ticket for texting and driving, that insurance rate jumps up to $1660 per year—a 25% increase!
If you want to keep your payment low, it’s best to put the phone down and focus on the road. Not only will this keep your rate from spiking—but it’ll also keep you in the running for
clean driving discounts
, which are fantastic ways to save money on insurance.
“I’ve shaved off at least $50 a month using
Jerry
. For now, I chose only to pay for Alabama state minimums, but I am confident that with Jerry, I can upgrade or change my coverage at any time. The AI-integrated process is really intuitive, too!” —Fred D.
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every week, just for driving safe!”

FAQs

Unless your violation is paired with a more serious offense—such as vehicular manslaughter—you won’t end up in jail for texting and driving in Alabama.
Texting and driving is one of the most serious forms of distracted driving. According to the NHTSA, there are over 3,000 deaths and 400,000 injuries due to distracted driving each year—so it’s crucial that you set the phone down and keep your attention on the road while you drive.
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