DAPHNE, Ala.—The Daphne City Council approved an ordinance Monday that would restrict use of cell phone text messaging, instant messaging and electronic mail while driving an automobile.

The group approved the ordinance unanimously.

Cell phone usage is a secondary violation, and officers are not allowed to stop vehicles solely for suspected violation of the ordinance.

The first offense will be a fine of $100 or no more than 10 days imprisonment. The second offense will be a fine of $200 and no more than 30 days imprisonment.

The ordinance restricts use of wireless communication devices while driving.

The ordinance reads: “Wireless communication device shall include a cellular, analog, wireless or digital device, computer or telephone, capable of accessing the Internet or sending, receiving or downloading any electronic digital data including, but not limited to, videos, pictures or communications, such as electronic mail, instant messages and text messages. Such devices may include telecommunication capabilities.”

The ordinance lists Blackberry devices, iPhones, iPads and laptops as examples of devices capable of such uses.

Jasmine Lee, Ms. Alabama Junior Teen Queen for National American Miss, gave a public participation presentation asking the council to restrict cell phone text messaging while driving.

The 15-year-old Bayside Academy student proposed the ordinance to the public safety committee a few weeks ago.

“There have been deaths in Spanish Fort, Fairhope and Daphne from texting (while driving),” Lee said.

“It’s just as dangerous as driving drunk,” she said.

The council also:

•Listened to a public hearing on revisions to the zoning map. The color coding for golf courses was changed, and a property at the intersection of Lawson and County Road 13 was changed from B-2 zoning to B-1 zoning.

•Reappointed Jan Blankenhorn as Daphne Public Library Board chair for another four-year term. The prior term ended Sept. 30, and the new term will end Sept. 30, 2014.