Beginning Monday, July 1, texting while driving becomes a primary driving offense in Florida.
“This law makes Florida roads safer and I am proud to give law enforcement the ability to more proactively enforce safe driving,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors and it is every driver’s responsibility to help ensure we all get home safely.”
Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, said this new law will undoubtedly prevent crashes and save lives on Florida’s roadways.
“With every traffic stop, FHP will be educating motorists about the new law and taking the time to remind them of the dangers of driving distracted. We never want a driver to learn the hard way,” Spaulding said.
We’ve certainly seen examples of dangerous behavior here in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown. In May, a woman with a history of texting while driving was arrested after fleeing a rear-end collision not far from The Villages Charter School. The same woman had been arrested in March after a deputy spotted her texting while driving at the same intersection where May’s crash occurred.
Starting July 1, Florida motorists can be stopped and cited for texting and driving. The first violation for drivers is a non-moving offense with no points assessed to the driver’s record. The second violation is a moving violation with three points assessed to the driver’s record. In most circumstances, Florida Highway Patrol troopers will issue warnings for texting and driving through Dec. 31, to provide drivers with additional education of the new law. Exceptions would apply in extremely dangerous driving situations.
Starting Oct. 1, wireless communications devices can only be used in a hands-free manner when driving in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area. Drivers will be issued warnings through Dec. 31. Starting Jan. 1, drivers will be cited for using any wireless communication devices in a handheld manner in a work zone or school zone.