HB2 Summary

• Prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle on a public street, road, or highway in Alabama while text messaging on a handheld cell phone or wireless telecommunication device.

• Establishes fines of $25 for a first violation, $50 for a second violation, and $75 for a third or subsequent violation.

• Convictions are recorded as two-point violations on the driver's record.

• Law enforcement officers may treat a text messaging violation as the primary or sole reason for issuing a citation.

• Bill becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval, and requires state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to maintain and monthly report statistical data on traffic stops for text messaging violations by minority groups to the Department of Public Safety.