Bill > H0013

This bill, titled the "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law," prohibits drivers from operating a motor vehicle while manually typing or reading text-based messages on a wireless communications device, which includes handheld devices capable of sending or receiving text, accessing data, or connecting to the internet. The law aims to improve road safety, prevent crashes, and reduce related costs, allowing law enforcement to issue citations for texting while driving as a secondary offense, meaning it can only be enforced if the driver is stopped for another traffic violation. Exceptions are made for authorized emergency vehicle operators, those reporting emergencies, drivers receiving navigation or safety-related information, and those using devices for navigation or hands-free communication that doesn't involve manual typing or reading. Violating this law is a noncriminal traffic infraction, but repeat offenses within five years become a moving violation, and using a wireless device in a school safety zone in conjunction with another moving violation will add points to a driver's record.