Some Important Facts To Know About Florida’s Texting And Driving Laws
The road rules that apply when you are behind the wheel are constantly changing. Therefore, it is crucial that you always remain informed. If you get injured in a car accident because of another driver, their violation of the law might be substantial evidence in your personal injury case. For example, if you are in a Florida car accident with another driver, their violation of the “Wireless Communication While Driving Law,” could become substantial evidence presented by your attorney throughout your personal injury case.
Important Facts To Know About the Current Texting While Driving Laws in Florida
Distracted driving is a major issue in Florida, with texting while driving being one of the most common distracted driving behaviors. To reduce the number of drivers texting while driving and accidents associated with this behavior, Florida enacted Florida Statutes Section 316.305. This law was enacted in 2019 and made it legal for police officers to stop and issue citations to drivers who text while driving.
In 2020, Florida Statutes Section 316.306 took effect. This law allows law enforcement officers to stop and issue warnings to motorists holding or using a wireless handheld communication device in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone. Most cellular phones and smartphones meet the definition of prohibited wireless communication devices.
Regarding the penalties for breaking the Wireless Communication While Driving Law, a first offense attracts a base fine of $30. A person guilty of breaking this law for the first time may also be made to pay court costs and other fees. However, no license points apply if it is a driver’s first offense. However, license points apply for a second offense within five years and a base fine of $60. A driver may also face court costs and other fees.
For any offense where a motorist violates the hands-free driving law in a work zone or school, they will receive a base fine of $60. They may also be made to pay court costs and other fees.
Like any other law, there are some exceptions to the texting while driving law. For example, the law does not apply to drivers if the messages received are related to navigation. However, despite the state’s law, using a device for navigation can be dangerous. Using a device for navigation can be considered negligent if it results in an accident. Therefore, if you’ve been severely injured in an accident because of a driver using their device to navigate, ensure you reach out to an attorney.
It is crucial to note that, after suffering injuries in an accident due to a driver who violates the Wireless Communication While Driving Law, your personal injury attorney must file a separate civil case against the driver for you to recover compensation. Any criminal consequences a motorist faces for breaking this law are handled in a different court and not in the court that handles personal injury cases.
Legal Help Is Available
Our Tampa Personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you if you’ve suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident because of a motorist who was texting while driving. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Ocala areas.
