What is the new cell phone law in Florida?
As of October 1, 2019, Florida drivers will not be allowed to hold cell phones in their hands in work or school zones. Drivers in these zones shouldn’t hold the phone up to their ear, type anything on their screen, or even hold their phone to read their GPS.
Does Florida have a law against texting and driving?
Ron DeSantis signed a new law in 2019 making texting while driving a primary traffic offense in Florida, with a $30 fine for a first offense that routinely climbs to over $100. But the new law against texting is rarely enforced, according to official state figures.
Can you talk on the phone while driving in Florida 2020?
Under the new law, a first texting offense will be punishable by a $30 fine and court fees. Florida’s law bans text messaging while a vehicle is moving, but permits the use of cell phones and other similar handheld electronic devices (except in school and construction zones) for limited purposes.
What kind of ban does Florida have on texting while driving?
Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel because texting while driving is now illegal in Florida. As of January 1, texting and other forms of typing on a mobile device, such as emailing and note-taking, are now treated as a primary offense.
Can you get pulled over for talking on the phone in Florida?
In Florida, law enforcement can take your phone away from you during a valid arrest. But law enforcement can’t search your phone without a warrant, unless they have probable cause to do so. Pulling you over for violating Florida laws 316.305 or 316.306 does not give them probable cause.
Can you be pulled over for texting in Florida?
Yes. The law bars you from texting or using your smartphone while your car is in motion. If you’re stopped at a traffic light or waiting in traffic, you can use your phone. Your car just can’t be moving or impeding traffic while you use it.
Can you talk on your cell phone in Florida?
PHONE CALLS WHILE DRIVING IN FLORIDA That means you can currently talk on the phone while driving in Florida with a few exceptions. You can do this by using a hands-free device to make and receive phone calls. But it also means you can put your cell phone up to your ear with your hands to make and receive calls.
What states is it illegal to drive and talk on cell phone?
However, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia (plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin …
Can you get pulled over for being on your phone?
Handheld cellphones. And many states allow “primary enforcement” of a cellphone offense—meaning police officers can pull you over for using a handheld cellphone without any other reason for the traffic stop.
How much is a ticket in Florida for texting and driving?
First Offense Motorists will receive a non-moving traffic violation with no points against their driver license. The ticket comes with a $30 fine and may include court costs and other fees.
What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Florida?
.08
Under Florida law, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of . 08 or above.
Is it legal to use a cell phone in Florida?
Florida detracted driving laws place specific restrictions on: Cell phones. While it’s legal for drivers to make and answer calls, all drivers in school zones and construction areas must use hands-free systems in order to talk on the phone.
Are there laws on texting and driving in Florida?
Texting and Cell Phone Use Laws for while Drivers in Florida. Although Florida’s distracted driving laws have become stricter in recent years, there are specific limits on electronic devices depending on the type of communication and the driver using the device. For example, Florida enforces the following laws for: Cell phones.
Can a truck driver use a cell phone in Florida?
Both truck and bus drivers are only allowed to use wireless communication devices if they’re hands-free, and can be pulled over and charged if they use a handheld electronic device while driving in Florida law without committing another violation.
When did the new Florida cell phone law go into effect?
The new Florida cell phone law was supposedly signed on June 28, 2018, and went into effect shortly thereafter. False reports that drivers can be ticketed $250 under a Florida cell phone law have gone viral on Facebook.
What is the Florida cell phone law?
Florida Cell Phone Law 2019. In addition to the revision on texting while driving, the new Florida cell phone law prohibits sending or reading data on a cell phone or other wireless communications device in the form of texting, emailing, or instant messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
What is the law on texting and driving in Florida?
Florida Texting and Driving Laws. In Florida, there is currently a ban on texting while driving. Florida Statute 316.305, known as the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law,” prohibits someone from driving a car while manually typing or reading data on a wireless communications device.
Does Florida do enough for distracted driving?
By all means, the state does not have a law preventing phone use for talking which is one of the main causes of distracted driving. Therefore, these facts along with many more are the reason why the state of Florida does not do enough to prevent distracted driving.
What are the consequences of texting while driving?
In addition to legal consequences, other consequences for texting while driving include: Points on one’s driving record. Suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Mandatory road safety classes. Vehicle impoundment, especially if great bodily injury resulted from an accident.