Florida's New Ban On Texting While Driving Explained
The new law went into effect in July 1 and for the most part Florida drivers are not aware or are confused with the law, lets break it down..
Driving while texting has now become a primary offense which means that you can get stopped for using the phone for, as the law states,
manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of non voice interpersonal communication
meaning that any communication you have while using your fingers on the phone while the vehicle is in movement is now completely illegal and cannot be done.
While you can still use your phone while the vehicle is completely stopped (on a red light), as soon as you’re moving you can be stopped for texting while driving.
Notice how we said “ any communication you are having with your fingers on the phone will be illegal and cannot be done.” This means that the law lets drivers use their phone to talk but, not to text. BUT, as of Oct. 1, 2019 you can also get stopped for talking on the phone if you’re found in a school zone or in a construction zone.
But I use my phone as a GPS?
Yeah i do too, and the law has an exception for vehicle navigation as it’s almost impossible now a days to drive around the city without some sort of navigational guidance.