TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Texting while driving in Florida would become a primary traffic offense punishable by fines under legislation passed by the Florida House.
The vote was 104-9 Tuesday for the bill, which now goes to the Senate where a similar bill is set for debate Wednesday.
Under current law, officers can only cite drivers for texting if they are pulled over for some other violation. The House-passed bill would allow officers to stop motorists simply for texting alone.
A first offense is punishable by a $30 fine, with a second offense costing $60. Court costs and fees also would apply.
The texting ban does not apply to a driver using a navigation device or system or to a driver whose vehicle is stationary.
The bill requires reports to guard against racial profiling.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.