Texting ban goes into effect
Texting while driving is now illegal, as a city ordinance goes into effect Sept. 20 banning the use of handheld devices to send, receive, download or view content.
A similar ordinance will also go into effect in Huntsville.
The ordinance prohibits the use of any application on a cell phone, MP3 player or navigation system while driving, except for talking on a cell phone.
Billboards have been placed across Huntsville and Madison reminding drivers of the new ordinance, and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison Mayor Paul Finley held a joint news conference Sept. 17 to also remind residents that the new law is aimed at keeping drivers safe.
The law is a secondary offense in Madison, meaning a driver can only be ticketed for it after being pulled over for another offense.
