What are the new texting and driving laws?

What is the texting and driving Law? A s of January 1, 2020, officers are authorized to issue tickets for two different reasons pertaining to cell phone use; texting and driving is one and the other being the use of your cell phone in a school or work zone.

Distracted driving is a significant factor in many crashes. These new laws were intended to improve roadway safety and prevent crashes for all drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, as well as roadway construction workers.

What is the texting and driving Law? Commonly known as the “texting and driving” law, Florida Statute 316.305(3)(a) makes it illegal to text or use your phone for communicating with others without speaking. The outline of that statute is listed below:

316.305(3)(a) - A person may not operate a motor vehicle while 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 nonvoice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging. As used in this section, the term “wireless communications device” means any handheld device used or capable of being used in a handheld manner, that is designed or intended to receive or transmit text or character-based messages, access or store data, or connect to the Internet or any communications service as defined in s. 812.15 and that allows text communications. For the purposes of this paragraph, a motor vehicle that is stationary is not being operated and is not subject to the prohibition in this paragraph. Receiving messages that are related to navigation of the motor vehicle, safety related information including emergency, traffic or weather alerts is an exception. This law went into effect July 1, 2019. However, a six-month grace period where warnings were issued, was in effect until 2020.

Wireless Communication Devices in School and Work Zones Law Florida Statute 316.306(3a), makes it illegal to hold a cell phone in your hand at any school crossing, school zone, or roadway construction work zone. This includes holding a phone to have a conversation or holding a cell phone for navigation purposes (GPS). Any use of a cell phone in a school zone or construction zone must be done through a hands-free mode like Bluetooth.

It is important to note that there are exceptions to these new laws. Reporting an emergency, criminal or suspicious activity to law enforcement is always permitted.

“It’s crazy! I’ve conducted traffic stops for speeding with individuals who have been communicating via FaceTime or on their social media applications. People are more concerned with their social media than they are with observing the road.” – Traffic Homicide Investigator Eloy Gonzalez

Officers regularly see drivers on their cell phones, impeding the normal flow of traffic and putting lives at risk. Please help us reduce injuries and deaths: Put it down. Focus on driving.

LARGE 16” PIZZA ONLY $9.99 Pick up-Cash Only Monday & Tuesday is Pizza night!

Serving great Italian Food for over 11 years Family Owned & Operated

Mon-Sat 11am-10pm Sundays 12-10pm

M e n t i o n t h i s a d a n d r e c e i v e 1 5 % o f f D i n e i n a n d c a s h p u r c h a s e s o n l y

15717 Pines Blvd. | Pembroke Pines | FL 33027 (Located in Paraiso Parc) (954) 374-4000 FREE ENTREE $5OFF $10OFF Purchase of $25 or more Purchase of $50 or more Buy One entrée and Two beverages, get 2nd entrée of equal or lesser value free! One coupon per group. Not valid with any offers or specials. Must present coupon when ordering. Expires 3/31/20 One coupon per group. Not valid with any offers or specials. Must present coupon when ordering. Expires 3/31/20 Dine in only. Cash Only. Maximum value $13. One coupon per group. Not valid with any offers or specials. Must present coupon when ordering. Expires 3/31/20 IMPP IMPP IMPP