A reader asked, “Does the new hands-free ordinance apply at red lights or other situations where traffic is stopped? Can a citizen report a violation of the ordinance? If so, how?”

Monday, the city began enforcing a ban on holding cellphones or other digital devices while driving, as noted in the Huntsville Times cover story for June 30. After a six-month grace period that began Jan. 1, law enforcement may now stop and cite drivers holding a phone, tablet or similar device while behind the wheel.

There are limited exceptions – voice-activated smartwatches are allowed because they are hands-free by nature, for instance, and first responders or other drivers involved in emergencies may hold devices — but the ban applies to most drivers and handheld devices, whether the driver is talking, texting, posting or watching a video. If a device is in your hand and you’re driving under routine conditions, it’s probably now illegal.