Beginning today (Oct. 1), Florida drivers can be stopped for holding a wireless phone or other device in a designated school crossing, school zone or active work zone.

TAMPA BAY – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol are reminding drivers that, beginning today (Oct. 1), motorists can be stopped for not operating a motor vehicle in a hands-free manner in a designated school crossing, school zone or active work zone area.

“The hands-free aspect of the law makes school zones, school crossings and active work zones safer across our state and gives law enforcement a strong tool to educate drivers,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “Using a wireless device while driving is extremely dangerous, and all drivers should be focused on the road.”

FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said, “Failing to pay attention in school zones, school crossings and active work zones can have devastating consequences. Driving through these areas requires all of your attention and I implore motorists to pay attention to their surroundings and focus on driving.”

Col. Gene S. Spaulding, FHP director, said, “This new law provides additional protection for Florida’s children and the men and women working on our roadways. Troopers will continue to educate motorists on every traffic stop and explain the dangers of distracted driving.”

Temple Terrace police Chief Kenneth Albano, president of the Florida Police Chiefs Assoc., said, “The Florida Police Chiefs Association and its members see first-hand the deadly consequences of distracted driving. We are happy that the Florida Legislature enacted a hands-free law for motorists who are driving in a designated school crossing, school zone or active work zone areas. These are some of our most vulnerable areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, so remember to put the phone down and keep your eyes on the road.”

Drivers using a wireless communications device in a school crossing, school zone or active work zone will be issued warnings through Dec. Starting Jan. 1, drivers will be cited for using any wireless communication devices in a handheld manner in these designated areas.

The Wireless Communications While Driving Law became effective July 1. From July 1 through Sept. 24, there have been 463 warnings issued by FHP troopers for texting and driving. From July 1 through Sept. 22,  there have been 605 citations issued statewide by all law enforcement agencies for texting and driving.

The statewide Put It Down: Focus on Driving campaign aims to raise awareness of and encourage compliance with the Wireless Communications While Driving Law. You can follow the campaign on social media with the hashtags #PutItDown and #FocusOnDrivingFL.

Florida Highway Patrol | Hands Free Driving | Distracted Driving | Tampabay News | News Tampa

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