Law banning text messaging while driving takes effect

MOBILE, Ala.(WALA) - Beginning August 1, text messaging while driving is against the law in Alabama.

State officials said officers will use discretion when charging people under the law, but if they spot you texting and driving, they can pull you over.

"If an officer sees you texting on your mobile phone while operating your motor vehicle, you will ticketed,” said Mobile Police Department Spokesperson Ashley Rains.

The new law imposes fines on drivers for violations: $25 for the first offense then $50, and $75. Each offense also adds a two-point violation to the offender's driving record.

The law states a number of key things you should know:

It is against the law to write, send or read a text. This includes instant messages, email and any other method of “manual communication.”

It's illegal to program a GPS while driving, but you are allowed to receive pre-programmed directions from a GPS.

According to the law, drivers are allowed to dial and talk on the phone.

The law also states, drivers may use wireless communication while parked on the shoulder of the highway, road or street.

A Mobile mother said she always tells her daughter not to text, but she feels like the new law will be more of warning for her.

"I have a 17-year-old daughter so I know exactly ( about the law) and I warned her this morning before she left that she could not text and drive it is illegal now.” said Patricia Shumate.

Some people said the new law will take some getting used to, but it’s worth it.

“I think people are so accustomed to doing it while they are driving and looking at their email and Facebook and everything else that I definitely think it's going to be an adjustment for people. But it will save lives in the long run,” said one driver. .

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