Although there is no federal (nationwide) law that prohibits texting or using a wireless phone while driving, many states have passed laws that prohibit such activities—and some municipalities (cities, towns) have also passed ordinances that restrict texting, talking, or emailing while driving. For example:

• 25 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned drivers from hand-held phone use while driving.

• 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

• 37 states and the District of Columbia prohibit all cell phone use by novice drivers.

• 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit school bus drivers from cell phone use while driving.

For more information on state laws, visit the Governor Highway Safety Association page by copying this link and pasting it into your internet browser: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

In Alabama, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers, as per the state's distracted driving laws. Alabama Code Section 32-5A-350 specifically bans the use of a wireless device to write, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle. The law also prohibits school bus drivers from using a cell phone while driving, with the intent to ensure the safety of child passengers. However, Alabama does not have a statewide ban on all hand-held cell phone use for all drivers. Instead, it focuses on texting and other forms of manual text entry as the primary restricted activities. Novice drivers, particularly teens under a graduated driver licensing program, may face additional restrictions on cell phone use while driving. It's important to note that local ordinances may also exist, providing stricter regulations on distracted driving. Therefore, drivers in Alabama should be aware of both state laws and any local ordinances that may apply to them.