Distracted Alabama Drivers Rack Up Over 270 Tickets

The Montgomery Police Department has cited 274 drivers for violating a distracted driving ordinance that was enforced starting a year ago.

The Montgomery Advertiser reports the city council passed the ordinance in August 2010, and after a 30-day grace period, police began issuing citations. To be penalized for talking, texting or emailing on a cell phone, a driver must have first committed a primary offense, such as a traffic violation.

Drivers can be fined up to $50 for a first offense, up to $100 for a second offense and up to $500 for a third. There is also the possibility of jail time.

Major Keith Barnett says the police department is focusing on safety and changing driver behavior, not the number of citations issued.