What you need to know

The training wheels are coming off a 1-year-old Alabama law this month when state authorities begin enforcing legislation that penalizes reckless drivers holding cell phones.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said Friday it will start enforcing the state’s hands-free law, which imposes a $50 fine and one point on a driver’s license for their first offense, on June 15 .

“Holding a wireless communications device while driving may result in a citation if you swerve, change lanes without signaling, or otherwise operate a vehicle in what the law describes as ‘an impaired manner,’” the agency said Thursday.

The law was passed in June 2023, but its language states “a law enforcement officer may only issue a written warning” for the offense for the first 12 months it was in effect.

ALEA warned Alabama drivers that the new law is not a secondary violation and motorists can be pulled over if a trooper or other state law enforcement official observes the law being broken.

“Individuals observed crossing in and out of a traffic lane without using a turn signal, swerving, or otherwise operating the vehicle in an impaired manner while physically holding a wireless telecommunication device could be issued a citation,” the agency said.

Driver’s face a $100 and two points on their license for a second conviction and $150 and three points on their license for a third conviction within a two-year period.