Texting While Driving Ban Passes Fla. Senate
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) --A ban on texting while driving in the state of Florida is another step closer to becoming reality.
Tuesday, the Senate unanimously approved a bill (SB 52) that would make texting while driving a secondary offense. That means police have to first stop drivers for an offense like speeding.
A first violation would be a $30 fine plus court costs and would be a non-moving violation. A second or subsequent violation within five years would add three points to the driver's license and a $60 fine.
The ban includes typing a text or reading a text while driving. It also includes tablet computers and mobile phones. It would exclude using a "talk-to-text" feature and allows texting while stopped at a red light.
Republican Sen. Nancy Detert said this is the fourth year she has sponsored a texting ban bill and that Florida is now one of only five states without a ban.
Detert told senators the bill will save lives, adding, "It's become an epidemic. It needs to stop and this is the way to stop it."
The measure still needs House approval.
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