Tougher Texting While Driving Law Passes In House, May Stall In Senate
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Florida would fully ban texting while driving under a bill passed by the Florida House.
The House voted 112-2 Thursday for the legislation even though it's unclear if the measure will make it to Gov. Rick Scott due to opposition in the Senate.
Currently, Florida law says texting by noncommercial drivers is a secondary offense. That means officers must see another violation like speeding before they cite a driver for texting. The bill (HB 33) would make texting while driving a primary offense and allow law enforcement officers to pull over people for texting while driving.
The bill would allow motorists to make phone calls on electronic devices. Also, the devices could be used for such things as getting directions.
Texting while driving is a primary offense in 43 states.
A top Senate Republican has blocked the bill in that chamber. Sen. Rob Bradley says he's concerned about giving extra power to the police and privacy rights because they may have to inspect cellphones to prove someone was texting.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
