Important Driving Law Goes into Effect Today
The Wireless Communications While Driving Law went into effect July 1, 2019, allowing law enforcement to stop a vehicle and cite a driver for texting and driving. As of October 1, wireless communications devices can only be used in a hands-free manner when driving in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area. When you put your phone down and focus on driving, you are helping to improve roadway safety for everyone, prevent crashes related to distracted driving, and reduce injuries and deaths due to motor vehicle crashes by being aware of your surroundings.
Drivers may be issued warnings through December 31, 2019, but starting January 1, 2019, drivers will be cited for using any wireless communication devices in a handheld manner in a work zone or school zone. The first offense for the Wireless Communications While Driving Law is a non-moving traffic violation, with a base $30 fine, not including court costs or other fees, and no points. The second and subsequent offenses within five years are moving traffic violations, with a base $60 fine, not including court costs or other fees, and 3 points assessed against the driver license.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), with the Florida Department of Transportation and other law enforcement partners, has implemented the statewide Put It Down: Focus on Driving campaign to raise awareness of and encourage compliance with the new law. Join the FLHSMV and its partners, counties, local law enforcement agencies, safety councils, public schools and other entities statewide, as we spread the message about the new law. Visit flhsmv.gov/FocusOnDriving for resources and follow the campaign on social media with the hashtags #PutItDown and #FocusonDrivingFL.
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