by E. Christopher Caravette

The new “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law” prohibits the act of sending and reading texts, emails, and instant messages while operating a vehicle in the State of Florida.  A violation has been designated a secondary offense.  The first infraction imposes a fine of $30 and is categorized as non-moving.  A second infraction within 5 years imposes a fine of $60 and a moving violation of 3 points.  The law applies to all drivers, including general motorists and commercial drivers.

Be aware! The new law took effect on October 1, 2013!

For a link to the full text of the statute, go to http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/0052/BillText/Filed/HTML.

(Note: The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. Plan to discuss your particular circumstances with an attorney for how this might apply to you.)