Motor vehicles; elements of driving a vehicle in distracted manner changed
Impact
The implications of SB239 are significant for state traffic laws. By refining the definitions associated with distracted driving, the bill aims to enhance roadway safety while also establishing specific exemptions. These changes may require local jurisdictions to adapt their regulations and enforcement mechanisms to align with the new state-level framework. Notably, the bill specifies conditions under which the use of a motor vehicle's telecommunications device does not constitute a violation, which may influence how law enforcement interacts with drivers regarding distractions.
Summary
SB239 aims to amend existing laws regarding the operation of motor vehicles by redefining the elements necessary to demonstrate that a driver is operating a vehicle in a distracted manner. This legislation modifies the definitions and exceptions relating to the use of electronic devices while driving, specifically regarding the handling of wireless telecommunications devices and other electronic devices. It establishes clearer guidelines on how such devices may be utilized in a manner that is not deemed to be distracting. The bill also outlines the penalties for violations in terms of fines and the classification of offenses.
Contention
While the bill appears to focus on promoting safety, there are potential points of contention regarding its impact on local governance and resources. Although the bill is designed to simplify regulatory oversight and enforcement of distracted driving laws, it outlines that local governments could see increased expenditures due to compliance with the new law, which could lead to financial strains. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the balance of public safety and individual freedom, particularly concerning the extent to which regulations impede legitimate uses of technology while driving.
Motor vehicles, distracted driving, use of cell phone while operating a motor vehicle prohibited, exceptions, Secs. 32-5A-353 to 32-5A-358, inclusive, added; Sec. 32-5A-350 repealed; Secs. 32-5A-351, 32-5A-352, am'd and renumbered, 32-10-8 am'd.
Relating to motor vehicles; to add Section 32-5A-350.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the prohibition against using a wireless telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle; to further provide for the prohibition; to further provide exceptions; to further provide criminal penalties for a violation; to provide a warning period for a violation; to amend Section 32-5A-351, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the assessment of administrative penalties; to repeal Section 32-5A-350, Code of Alabama 1975; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.
Relating to motor vehicles; to amend Sections 32-5A-350, 32-5A-351, and 32-5A-352, Code of Alabama 1975, and to add Sections 32-5A-350.1 and 32-5A-353 to 32-5A-359, inclusive, to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide prohibitions on the use of a wireless telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle, with exceptions; to further provide criminal penalties; to provide exemptions; to distribute a portion of any fines collected to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for the purchase of devices to enable substantially hands-free voice-based communications in a motor vehicle and to provide the devices to certain low-income families in the state; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.
Prohibits any device from being used to access, read, or post to a social networking site while operating a motor vehicle and requires tests administered to driver's license applicants include the applicant's knowledge of distracted driving issues. (8/1/13)
Prohibits use of a handheld wireless telecommunications device by a person when operating a motor vehicle upon any public roadway in this state. (8/1/20) (REF INCREASE LF EX See Note)