The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with its division of the Florida Highway Patrol, advises all motorists that as of Jan. 1, motorists in Florida can be stopped and cited for texting and driving and holding a wireless device in a designated school crossing, school zone or active work zone. Motorists can also be stopped and cited for using wireless communications devices while driving.
“As a new year begins, I am proud to give law enforcement the ability to fully enforce the Wireless Communications While Driving law,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “All drivers should be completely focused on the road in order for everyone to arrive at their destinations safely.”
Drivers using a wireless communications device in a school crossing, school zone or active work zone were only issued warnings through Dec. 31, 2019. As of Jan. 1, drivers will be cited for using any wireless communication devices in a handheld manner in these designated areas.
The Wireless Communications While Driving Law became effective July 1, 2019. From July 1 through Dec. 30, 2019, there were 1,087 warnings issued by Florida Highway Patrol for texting and driving. From July 1 through Dec. 29, 2019, there were 1,220 citations issued statewide by all law enforcement agencies for texting and driving.
