Birmingham Bans Texting While Driving

Birmingham has banned texting while driving.

The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to set a $100 fine for drivers caught texting.

Councilman Johnathan Austin, chairman of the council’s public safety committee, compared the rule to a seat belt law. He said that officials believe texting while driving is more dangerous than driving under the influence.

Mayor William Bell praised the council for joining the national effort to reduce texting and driving.