Drivers be alert! No Wireless Devices While Driving Law Starts January 1, 2020

DORAL, FL – Starting January 1, 2020, the No Wireless Devices While Driving Law will be effective and drivers that fail to comply will be cited.

According to The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) with its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), all motorists can be stopped and cited for not operating a motor vehicle in a hands-free manner, which means texting or holding a wireless communications device while driving. 

In a press release issued in December 31, 2019, the entity explained this law applies for anyone driving in a designated school crossing, school zone or active work zone area. Although, “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 Governor Ron DeSantis. “All drivers should be completely focused on the road in order for everyone to arrive at their destinations safely.”

Before the new year began, drivers using a wireless communications device in a school crossing, school zone or active work zone were only issued warnings as part of the campaign Put It Down: Focus on Driving that aimed to raise awareness of and encourage compliance with the Wireless Communications While Driving Law.

According to reports, from July 1 through December 30, 2019, there have been 1,087 warnings issued by Florida Highway Patrol for texting and driving. From July 1 through December 29, 2019, there have been 1,220 citations issued statewide by all law enforcement agencies for texting and driving.

“I want all our drivers, children and workers to be as safe as possible on our roadways,” said Representative Jackie Toledo. “This law will continue to ensure that parents, teachers, children and crossing guards are always safe and those who work on our roadways are able to come home to their loved ones.”

From Doral Family Journal we encourage everyone to be a responsible driver in the face of the back to school period that started today. Let’s not forget that distracted driving significantly slows your reaction time placing you, the passengers you are responsible for and others on the road in danger.