HB 353 Summary

• Increases penalties for texting while driving: first violation $50 (previously $25), second violation $100 (previously $50), third or subsequent violation $200 (previously $75).

• Adds $5 fee per violation to be deposited into the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency's Public Safety Fund.

• Exempts operators of authorized emergency vehicles from the texting prohibition, regardless of whether responding to an emergency call or pursuing a suspected violator.

• Creates new criminal penalties (Section 32-5A-350.1) for causing a traffic accident while texting while driving, with penalties ranging from 90-day license suspension and $600 fine for first offense to Class C felony with 1-10 year imprisonment and $4,100-$10,100 fine for fourth or subsequent conviction.

• Imposes enhanced penalties when violation occurs with a child passenger under age 16 (minimum punishment doubled) or while operating a commercial motor vehicle (1-year to lifetime commercial license revocation).