Florida is one of the states that once allowed hand-held cell phone use while driving. However, a newer law prohibits in-hand phone use in school zones and work zones. There are also penalties if you’re caught violating it.
About the hand-held phone in school and work zone law
On October 1, 2019, Florida imposed its law prohibiting drivers from using hand-held cell phones in school zones and work zones. The law was implemented to keep children and officials working in construction zones on roads and highways safer by preventing distracted driving accidents. Drivers are required to use hands-free means to make or receive phone calls and avoid texting or even holding their devices to read GPS directions.
If a police officer notices any driver violating this traffic law, they can make them stop their vehicle and issue a ticket. Work zones require active work taking place with workers present. If the work zone has been abandoned or there is no work going on, drivers are permitted to hold their phones to use them.
Penalties for violating the law include a $60 fine and 3 points against the individual’s driver’s license.
Texting and driving also banned
As of January 1, 2020, the law known as the “Put it Down: Focus on Driving” campaign, was further expanded to include texting while driving. Due to the dangers of the habit, which leads to three types of distractions: manual, visual and cognitive, Florida enacted this law to keep people safer on the road. As of 2020, any driver seen texting while driving by a police officer can be pulled over, issued a citation and given penalties.
Everyone deserves to be safe on the road, so the best thing drivers can do is to use their phones in a safer, hands-free manner.