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Legislator Wants To Increase Texting While Driving Fines In School Zones

WESTON (CBSMiami) – The texting-while-driving ban has only been in place in Florida since October 1, but some legislators are ready to give it some more teeth.

Rep. Richard Stark of Weston wants to increase the penalty for motorists who text while behind the wheel in school zones. Stark has proposed a measure that would double fines for texting while driving in legally posted school zones or designated school crossings.

Currently, the texting-while-driving law is a secondary offense, meaning motorists can only be cited for texting while driving if they are pulled over for another reason such as speeding. The current fine is $30 plus court costs for first-time ofenders.

Sen. Maria Sachs filed a measure (SB 322) that would allow police to stop motorists for texting while driving.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.)

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