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Weston Lawmaker Wants To Toughen Texting While Driving Law

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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A proposal that would strengthen the state's ban on texting while driving, giving police officers more power to pull over motorists for tapping messages while behind the wheel has been filed by Rep. Richard Stark, D-Weston.

It will be considered by lawmakers during the 2015 session.

Under current law, texting while driving is considered a "secondary" offense. That means drivers can only be cited if they are stopped by police for other reasons. But Stark's bill would eliminate that restriction, giving police more authority to enforce the ban.

Also, the bill would double fines for people caught texting while driving in school zones or at designated school crossings.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.

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