Accountability at the heart of amended hands-free ordinance

Published on June 25, 2024

An amended ordinance prohibiting the use of handheld devices while operating a motor vehicle will go into effect on July 1, and City leaders are hopeful it will lead to increased accountability and a decrease in distracted driving crashes.

The ordinance, which took effect Jan. 1, upgraded violations from a secondary to a primary offense, allowing officers to stop a driver when they see a violation and issue a citation. The first six months of the ordinance have served as an educational period for drivers.

Keeping roadways safe

Safety and accountability are at the heart of the ordinance. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,308 people were killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022.

“This updated ordinance has a single purpose: to make Huntsville’s roads safer,” Council President David Little said. “The goal is to change behavior, not to punish our citizens, by placing a greater value on human life than the device in our hands. No call, text, social media post, or any of the countless ways we use our phones is worth a life or serious injury.”

Setting the tone

Like the seat belt laws of the 1960s, the hands-free ordinance requires individuals to adopt new habits to protect themselves and others, reflecting a shift toward personal accountability. City leaders encourage drivers to set the tone and stay off the phone.

“This proactive measure remains a step in the right direction to prevent distracted driving and improve public safety,” Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles said. “The City of Huntsville is proud to join other cities nationwide in making our roadways safe for everyone.”

For more information and a complete list of frequently asked questions on the hands-free ordinance, click here.