May 29, 2019
Currently, texting while driving is only a secondary offense and police officers are not allowed to pull drivers over solely for that issue. On July 1st, that is set to change if Governor Ron DeSantis signs a new bill to make texting while driving a primary offense. If an officer sees you texting while your vehicle is in motion they can ticket you which will add three points to your driver’s license, and require you to pay fines and court fees. You can talk on your phone using hands-free devices, and you can operate your phone while the vehicle is stationary.
Forty-three other states make texting while driving a primary offense, and advocates of the new law say it will make our roadways safer. If signed by Governor DeSantis, the law will include a grace period in which police will issue warnings through the end of the year while the state conducts an education campaign.