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Florida Bill Would Toughen Texting While Driving Ban
November 20, 2014
A South Florida lawmaker Wednesday filed a proposal that would strengthen the state’s ban on texting while driving, giving police officers more power to pull over motorists for tapping messages while behind the wheel.
The billĀ filed by Rep. Richard Stark, D-Weston, will be considered by lawmakers during the 2015 session.
Under current law, texting while driving is considered a “secondary” offense. That means drivers can only be cited if they are stopped by police for other reasons. But Stark’s bill would eliminate that restriction, giving police more authority to enforce the ban.
Also, the bill would double fines for people caught texting while driving in school zones or at designated school crossings.
Comments
7 Responses to “Florida Bill Would Toughen Texting While Driving Ban”
c.w. – There is a slight difference in a Law Enforcement Officer using their Computers or Phones if it is to get to a crime or try and protect someone.
If you have a text to send to save someone, then go for it. Otherwise, NO Texting!
This can be quickly stopped by:
1. First time offenders, regardless, $500 fine.
2. Second offense, regardless loss of license for six months, plus $500 fine.
3. Third offense, loss of license for one year, $500 fine, plus 15 days in jail/detention.
I just don’t believe there would be any other infractions. If the courts are tough, the message will get out…Don’t text or use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving.
This is the same way they got the seat belt law passed back in the 80s…they PROMISED that it would only be a secondary offense, then they got a tase of the power and saw the dollar signs in new revenue generation.
If you give the government 1 inch, they will drag you 10 miles.
It seems that piracy never left us, they just went from raiding the high seas in galleons to terrorizing the roadways in cruisers.
Another “law” will not do anything to increase safety. 75% of the drivers I see on the road has a cell phone in their ear. Those that aren’t on the cellphone are playing with the radio, putting on lipstick, eating a burger, doing everything but paying attention to what they are doing.
Please would they finally put some teeth behind this law?
Talking while driving is distracting. Texting while driving is MORONIC!
No one, no matter how smart they think they are, can safely text and drive.
If the car is moving PUT THE PHONE DOWN and down pick it up till you stop the car.
Good! I’m guilty of sending a quick text while driving myself, and am trying to wean myself of that habit. They can wait. If it was really important, whoever sent you that text can call (and then I advise pulling to a stop somewhere safe). We are becoming too attached to technology nowadays, such as our computers and phones.
I agree that a much more penalty is needed for texting while driving, but can it be done as long as the cops use their computers and phones while driving? Seems like a double standard is being started.