- May 2, 2024
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Florida’s law banning texting while driving took effect Oct. 1, and Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre reminded people of the new law on Tuesday.
With enactment of the new law, Florida joins the growing list of states across the country that have enacted laws banning texting while driving.
The Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law makes texting while driving a secondary offense, which means that drivers can’t be pulled over just for texting while you are driving. Instead, an officer must observe you breaking some other law first. The officer can then issue you a citation for the original offense that you were stopped for, and for the secondary offense of texting while driving.
Florida’s texting law prohibits the operation of “a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters” into a handheld wireless device or “sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication.”
The law does not prohibit drivers from using devices to text while stopped in traffic or at traffic lights.
The law does not apply to a law enforcement, fire service or emergency medical service personnel “performing official duties,” or for the reporting of emergency, criminal or suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Also exempt is the use of a device for navigation purposes or safety-related information, including emergency, traffic or weather alerts.
First-time violators found guilty of breaking the law will face a fine of $30. Second and subsequent convictions committed within a five-year period will have drivers charged with a moving violation and face a fine of $60.
“I’m happy the new law banning texting while driving has gone into effect, and I hope it accomplishes its intended purpose and can significantly reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents occurring each year that are often attributable to distracted driving,” Manfre said in a statement.
