{"data":{"id":"us-al/ala.-code-32-5a-350","jurisdiction":"us-al","citation":"Ala. Code § 32-5A-350","heading":"Definitions; Prohibited Activities; Fines; Exceptions.","body":"REPEALED BY ACT 2023-478, EFFECTIVE JUNE 14, 2023.\n(a) For purposes of this article, the following words have the following meanings:\n(1) WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICE. A handheld cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand alone computer, or any other similar wireless device that is readily removable from a vehicle and is used to write, send, or read text or data through manual input. The term “wireless telecommunication device” does not include a device which is voice-operated and which allows the user to send or receive a text-based communication without the use of either hand except to activate or deactivate a feature or function.\n(2) WRITE, SEND, OR READ A TEXT-BASED COMMUNICATION. Using a wireless telecommunication device to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail. The term does not include reading, selecting, or entering a telephone number or name in a cell or wireless telephone or communication device for the purpose of making a telephone call.\n(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a public road, street, or highway in Alabama while using a wireless telecommunication device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.\n(c) A person who violates subsection (b) is subject to fines as follows:\n(1) Twenty-five dollars ($25) for a first violation.\n(2) Fifty dollars ($50) for a second violation.\n(3) Seventy-five dollars ($75) for a third or subsequent violation.\n(d) Law enforcement officers enforcing this section may treat a violation of this section as the primary or sole reason for issuing a citation to a driver.\n(e) The following uses of wireless communication devices shall not be subject to the restrictions in this section:\n(1) An individual using a wireless communication device to obtain emergency services including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.\n(2) An individual using a wireless communication device while the motor vehicle is parked on the shoulder of the highway, road, or street.\n(3) An individual using a wireless communication device as a global positioning or navigation system to receive driving directions which has been pre-programmed with the desired coordinates. The programming of coordinates while operating a vehicle remains a violation of this section.","path":["Title 32 Motor Vehicles and Traffic.","Chapter 5A Rules of the Road.","Article 16 Text Messaging While Operating a Motor Vehicle; Prohbited."],"source_url":"https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=32-5A-350","current_through":"Act 2026-611","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-10-10T05:41:19Z","sha256":"fe60cc7a44caf62bf082f09dd7166cb5098227c83111b2c65512db3258be89ee","source_id":"us-al","stale":false,"prev":"us-al/ala.-code-32-5a-331","next":"us-al/ala.-code-32-5a-350.1"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}