When it comes to the 'rules of the road' in Florida, what to know about distracted driving

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read

Note to readers: The News-Press and Naples Daily News are producing a series of stories about traffic in Southwest Florida. We are calling our special coverage "Traffic Week" and the series of stories, photos and videos, includes these important public service reminders when it comes to the rules of the road.

What is the Florida law for driving and using a phone?

According to the Florida Highways Safety and Motor Vehicles website:

  • Section 316.305, Florida Statutes allows law enforcement to stop motor vehicles and issue citations to motorists that are texting and driving. A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers or symbols into a wireless communications device to text, email and instant message.

  • Section 316.306, Florida Statutes, is a prohibition on using wireless communications devices in a handheld manner in school and work zone.  A person may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner in a designated school crossing, school zone or active work zone area. Active work zone, as it pertains to Section 316.306, Florida Statutes, means that construction personnel are present or are operating equipment on the road or immediately adjacent to the work zone area.

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Monroe County Sheriff's Detective Ken Dodds illustrates the new distracted driving law of not having a cellphone in hand while driving.
Monroe County Sheriff's Detective Ken Dodds illustrates the new distracted driving law of not having a cellphone in hand while driving.

What are the different types of distracted driving?

  • VISUAL: Taking your eyes off the road

  • MANUAL: Taking your hands off the wheel

  • COGNITIVE: Thinking about anything other than driving

What are the penalties for texting and driving?

For texting and driving, section 316.305, Florida Statutes:

FIRST OFFENSE is a non-moving traffic violation with a base $30 fine, not including additional court costs or other fees, and no points assessed against the driver license.

SECOND OFFENSE within five years is a moving traffic violation, with a base $60 fine, not including court costs and other fees, and 3 points assessed against the driver license.

For not using a device hands-free in a school zone and work zone, section 316.306, Florida Statutes:

ANY OFFENSE is a moving traffic violation, with a base $60 fine, not including court costs and other fees, and 3 points assessed against the driver license.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: What is the Florida law for driving with a cellphone?