Beginning July 1, Florida drivers can be pulled over for texting while driving. The act becomes a primary offense, meaning police officers can pull someone over just for texting.
First time offenders will not have points assessed to their record, but second time offenders will. Representative Wengay Newton says the measure will keep Florida’s children safe.
“In my district a lot of the individuals—especially the school zones—that was near and dear to my heart,” says Newton. “People fly through those already at 20 and 30 miles an hour... Our future is crossing the street or either around the schools.”
Starting October 1, drivers cannot hold their phones while in school zones, school crossings, or active work zones. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released a statement saying that until 2020 most offenders will only receive warnings as part of an effort to education the public on the new law.
