AL: New Laws, New Reasons to Pull You Over

Allen Ritchie • July 7, 2023
A man is driving a car and using a cell phone.

 

You need to be aware of two new laws in Alabama. Both have minor fines, but they can easily occupy your time as you sit on the side of the road listening to a trooper explain things.

Now, I have told you about the new law involving cell phones and driving in our state. Basically, you are not allowed to hold a phone while driving. One of the reasons behind the new law is to stop texting and driving. The law states you can only use one button or one-finger motion to do anything involving your phone.

Here is another part of the law. You can not watch a movie and drive. Really, we had to make a law about that? Well, yes, we did. Troopers are reporting this movie-watching is actually happening.

Though it is the law now, fines do not start until June 2024 and are roughly $50 a violation plus a point on your driving record.

The other new law is about what you can do if a child is in the car.

Starting the first of August of this year, it will be illegal to smoke or vape if a child 14 or younger is riding with you. And if you are already trying to figure a way around this, the legislation says the law applies if the vehicle is moving or stopped or whether the windows are up or down. Also, it doesn’t matter if the vape has nicotine or not. The fine is about $100.

Here is hoping you will keep safe and keep the interaction with those blue lights to a minimum.

If you suffer from any personal injury accident – car, boat, on-the-job, slip and fall , nursing home abuse , etc. – you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie (251) 666-1212 for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.

Plus, join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We’ll have some legal information you can use. Plus, we specifically set aside a few hours on Monday morning to answer any questions you may have in real-time. Just call our office.

Allen Ritchie

Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

car driving towards the sunset  on the highway
By Steele Ritchie September 19, 2025
Car wreck in Alabama? Who pays medical bills first—ER, health insurance, or your policy? A plain-English guide with Mobile, AL resources.
By Steele Ritchie September 19, 2025
Truck crash in Alabama? Preserve black-box data and key records, avoid common mistakes, and protect your claim. Mobile, AL guidance.
By Steele Ritchie September 19, 2025
Left-turn motorcycle crashes in Alabama: why they happen, the evidence that proves fault, and first-48-hours steps. Free case review in Mobile.
By Steele Ritchie July 29, 2025
Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Alabama? (Married, Unmarried & Blended Families)
By Steele Ritchie July 29, 2025
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Alabama: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Steele Ritchie July 29, 2025
Contributory Negligence in Alabama: How 1% Fault Can Sink Your Injury Claim (and How to Protect Your Case)
A pen is sitting on top of a piece of paper that says estate planning.
By Steele Ritchie July 24, 2025
Wills vs. trusts in Alabama—what’s the difference, and which do you need? Learn how to protect your assets and plan for the future with Steele Ritchie.
A man is laying on the ground with an ambulance in the background.
By Steele Ritchie July 24, 2025
Injured on unsafe property in Alabama? Learn your rights under premises liability law and how Steele Ritchie can help you recover compensation.
A man is sitting at a desk with a laptop and a judge 's gavel.
By Steele Ritchie July 24, 2025
Discover the key factors that determine personal injury case value in Alabama. Learn what your claim may be worth and how to protect your rights.
By Steele Ritchie June 26, 2025
Slip and Fall Accidents in Alabama: Your Questions Answered
Show More