Hands free law — Alabama Permit Test

Under Alabama's Hands-Free Law, effective June 2024, physically holding a wireless device is a violation when a driver is seen crossing in and out of a lane without signaling, swerving or otherwise driving improperly.

A phone in the hand pulls your eyes and one hand off the road, which is when cars drift and swerve.

Physically holding a wireless telecommunications device* is a violation of Alabama’s Hands-Free Law when a driver is observed crossing in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerving or otherwise operating a motor vehicle in an improper manner.

A first Hands-Free Law conviction is a $50 fine and 1 point; a second is $100 and 2 points; a third is $150 and 3 points, within a 24-month period.

The penalty climbs with each conviction so a driver who keeps handling a phone soon faces real points on their record.

First conviction, $50 fine and 1 point; second conviction, $100 fine and 2 points; third conviction, $150 and 3 points on driver’s record within a 24-month period.

A third Hands-Free Law conviction within 24 months is a $150 fine and 3 points.

Repeated convictions show a habit rather than a slip, so the third costs three times the first.

First conviction, $50 fine and 1 point; second conviction, $100 fine and 2 points; third conviction, $150 and 3 points on driver’s record within a 24-month period.

When is physically holding a phone a violation of Alabama's Hands-Free Law?

When the driver also swerves or drifts lanes. A phone in the hand pulls your eyes and one hand off the road, which is when cars drift and swerve. Alabama Driver Manual, p.16: “Physically holding a wireless telecommunications device* is a violation of Alabama’s Hands-Free Law when a driver is observed crossing in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerving or otherwise operating a motor vehicle in an improper manner.”