Changing habits, saving lives: One year under Huntsville’s Hands-Free Ordinance

Published on July 25, 2025

It’s been a year since Huntsville spotlighted the dangers of distracted driving with its Hands-Free Ordinance – and while the road to lasting change is still being paved, city leaders said improvements are evident.

The ordinance, which prohibits drivers from physically holding an electronic device, took effect in January 2024. Following a six-month education period, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) began enforcing the ordinance in July 2024. District 2 Council Member David Little, who introduced the ordinance after his family was once involved in a serious accident caused by a distracted driver, called the law a necessary step toward safer streets.

“That kind of pain and hardship is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” Little said. “That’s why I brought this ordinance forward, and it’s why I’ll keep advocating for responsible, focused driving. It’s about changing behavior, not punishing it.”

In the ordinance’s first year, HPD officers issued 190 citations and 112 written warnings – but the goal goes far beyond enforcement.

“This isn’t about the number of citations written, it’s about saving lives,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “Holding a phone for even a few seconds can be the difference between arriving safely and not arriving at all.”

Huntsville’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In June, Allstate Insurance ranked Huntsville the 12th safest driving city in the country – a nod to both enforcement and awareness efforts.

As enforcement of the ordinance enters its second year, city leaders say the focus will remain on education, accountability and helping drivers make hands-free habits second nature.