(MONTOGOMERY,Al) (WCBI) - Starting Wednesday in Alabama all texturing, emailing and instant messaging will become illegal while driving.

Legislation was approved in April making Alabama the 38th state to place a ban on mobile devices.

Violators will face fines and possible higher insurance rates if found guilty.

Legislators waited until August 1st to implement the law to give the public and law enforcement a chance to get familiar with the restrictions.

1,200 accidents and five deaths were reported in 2010 as a result of being distracted by electronic communication devices.