Alabama Phones & Distraction practice test

Key Alabama facts: Phones & Distraction

• The texting fine is $25 the first time, then $50, then $75 for each later offense. Chapter 4, The Driver, Texting While Driving, PDF p. 34
• Each texting offense also puts two points on the driver's record. Chapter 4, The Driver, Texting While Driving, PDF p. 34
• A first conviction under Alabama's Hands-Free Law brings a $50 fine and 1 point. Chapter 1, Your License to Drive, Alabama's Hands-Free Law, PDF p. 18
• A third Hands-Free Law conviction within 24 months brings a $150 fine and 3 points. Chapter 1, Your License to Drive, Alabama's Hands-Free Law, PDF p. 18
• The Hands-Free Law covers any device used to start or receive communication, information or data. Chapter 1, Your License to Drive, Alabama's Hands-Free Law, PDF p. 18

Sample Phones & Distraction questions

What is the fine for a first offense of texting while driving in Alabama?

• $250
• $25
• $500
• $5

Show the answer

$25

A second offense costs $50, and a third or later costs $75.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Texting While Driving, PDF p. 34

If you use a phone while driving, which calls does the manual tell you to avoid?

• Calls shorter than a minute
• Calls with a passenger nearby
• Emotional or complicated conversations
• Calls on speaker

Show the answer

Emotional or complicated conversations

Also avoid calls in heavy traffic or bad weather, and pull off the road to finish a conversation.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Cellular Phone Usage, PDF p. 34

How many points does each texting-while-driving offense add to your record?

• None
• Four
• Six
• Two

Show the answer

Two

Every texting offense brings two points, along with the fine.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Texting While Driving, PDF p. 34

Which of these does the manual name as a threat to a driver's concentration?

• Checking your mirrors
• Window shopping
• Watching the road ahead
• Keeping both hands on the wheel

Show the answer

Window shopping

Daydreaming, sightseeing and distracting conversation also pull attention away from driving.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Concentration, PDF p. 33

May a 16-year-old Stage II driver use a handheld phone while driving?

• Yes, on rural roads
• Yes, at red lights
• Yes, with a passenger over 21
• No

Show the answer

No

Stage II drivers may not use any handheld communication device. Violations extend the restricted period or lead to suspension.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Additional Information, GDL Summary, PDF p. 86; Synopsis of Graduated Driver License, Act 2010-735, Stage II

Which devices does Alabama's Hands-Free Law cover?

• Only phones owned by the driver
• Only cell phones with cameras
• Any device used for communication or data
• Only devices mounted on the dashboard

Show the answer

Any device used for communication or data

The law applies to a wide range of wireless devices, not just phones.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 1, Your License to Drive, Alabama's Hands-Free Law, PDF p. 18

What is the penalty for a first conviction under Alabama's Hands-Free Law?

• A $500 fine and 6 points
• A warning only
• A $50 fine and 1 point
• A 90-day suspension

Show the answer

A $50 fine and 1 point

Penalties rise with later convictions within 24 months.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 1, Your License to Drive, Alabama's Hands-Free Law, PDF p. 18

What penalty does a third Hands-Free Law conviction within 24 months carry?

• A $50 fine and 1 point
• A $150 fine and 3 points
• Automatic license revocation
• A $25 fine and no points

Show the answer

A $150 fine and 3 points

A second conviction is $100 and 2 points.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 1, Your License to Drive, Alabama's Hands-Free Law, PDF p. 18

Can talking with your passengers distract you?

• Only if the passengers are children
• No, only phones are distractions
• Yes, it can pull your attention from the road

Show the answer

Yes, it can pull your attention from the road

Conversation and turning to look at passengers take attention away from driving.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving: Distractions, PDF p. 43; Georgia Drivers' Manual, Section 5: Traffic Laws, Distracted Driving; New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 5, Distractions, PDF p. 94; Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 42; Texas Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 60; Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 5, p. 119; Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 6.C, p. 34; Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 16, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 94; Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Distracted Driving (p. iv); Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 6, Distractions inside the vehicle, p. 78; Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Concentration, PDF p. 33; Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Chapter 8, Driving Hazards and Emergencies, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 115; Kentucky Driver Manual, Section Three, Driver Distractions, PDF p. 31; South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 3, Be in Shape to Drive, Driver Distractions, p. 3-4 (PDF p. 35); Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Before You Drive, Distractions, printed p. 6 (PDF p. 9); Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapter 11, Car Phone Safety, p. 61; Connecticut Driver's Manual, Chapter 3, Driving Behaviors, Driver Distractions, p. 27; Iowa Driver's License Manual (MM1170), Chapter 3, 3.7 Eliminating Distractions, p. 36; Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (Vol. 1, Ed. 10, October 2026), Chapter 4, Safe Driving, What is Distracted Driving?, PDF p. 57; MDPS Driver's License Manual, Emotional Distractions, PDF p. 24; Kansas Driving Handbook, Section 3, Driver Distractions, PDF pp. 21-22; Idaho Driver's Handbook, Your Mood Affects Your Driving, PDF p. 88; Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 5E-1, Are You Being Driven to Distraction, PDF p. 72; Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter X, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 58; West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Chapter VIII, Inattention and Concentration, PDF pp. 71-72; Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), Section Two, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 53; Montana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100, revised April 2024), Chapter 5, Don't Be a Distracted Driver, PDF p. 59; Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024), Distracted Driving, PDF p. 17; South Dakota Driver License Manual (revised 11/2024), Be in Shape to Drive, Driver Distractions, PDF p. 19

May an adult driver send a text message while the car is moving?

• Yes, on an empty road
• No, that is against the law
• Yes, at low speeds

Show the answer

No, that is against the law

Sending a text while you drive breaks the law.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving (continued); Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 9, Some Special Driving Situations, p. 54; Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Chapter 4, Before You Drive: You the Driver (p. 34); New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 8, Defensive Driving; Illinois Rules of the Road, Chapter 4, Traffic Laws; Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), PennDOT Distracted Driving page, Pennsylvania's Texting-While-Driving Ban; Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Ohio Revised Code 4511.204; Georgia Drivers' Manual, Section 5: Traffic Laws, Texting & Cell Phones; North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Distracted Driving (pp. 41-42); What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), Chapter 4, Cell phone use prohibited for all drivers, p. 24; New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Cellular Telephones, p. 85; Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Distracted Driving (p. 24); Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 2, p. 39; Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 6.C, p. 35; Wisconsin Statutes, ch. 346, Wis. Stat. § 346.89(3)(a); Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 3, Cell phones, p. 40; Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Texting While Driving, PDF p. 34; Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 32:59, Subsection B(1) and B(2)(b); Kentucky Revised Statutes 189.292, KRS 189.292(2); South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 3, Be in Shape to Drive, South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, p. 3-5 (PDF p. 36); Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Safe Driving Tips, Using a cell phone while driving, printed p. 18 (PDF p. 21); Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapter 11, Car Phone Safety, p. 61; Connecticut Driver's Manual, Chapter 2, Before You Get Behind the Wheel, Connecticut Cell Phone Laws, p. 13; Iowa Code 2026, §321.276, §321.276(1)-(2); MDPS Driver's License Manual, Cellphone Use, PDF p. 23; West Virginia Code §17C-14-15, W. Va. Code §17C-14-15(e)(2); 21 Del. C. § 4176C, 21 Del. C. § 4176C(a); SDCL 32-26-47.1, SDCL 32-26-47.1

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About these questions

We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024 (cover), PDF created 2024-12-05 and modified 2025-01-23, read 2026-11-09, plus ALEA's Graduated Driver License and Alabama Move Over Act pages. Pages cited are PDF pages (printed page = PDF page - 2); PDF pp. 20-21 repeat the suspension list. edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.

DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.