NEWS BLIPS
Florida, Among Others, Bans Texting & Driving
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through The Sarasota Herald Tribune's website.
In Florida, a recent bill passed the Legislature following a flurry of votes. Currently, a majority of the states already have a ban on texting and driving, with some state laws stating "exceptions". The new law advances Florida’s rule against texting while driving in a couple of ways. First, it makes texting (including messaging, emailing and other forms of typing on a mobile device) a primary violation, rather than a secondary violation, according to Mark Harper from The Herald Tribune.
Prior, Florida considered texting while operating a vehicle a secondary law. That is, an officer can only ticket drivers for the offense if they are legally pulled over for another crime first. The penalties would remain the same: a noncriminal traffic infraction that carries a $30 base fine plus court costs and fees for a first violation; a second violation within five years after that is considered a moving violation carrying a $60 base fine plus court costs and fees. The new rules will take effect July 1, if it isn’t vetoed by Governor DeSantis.
For more details on the soon to be law, click here.