29 Jul Florida’s CS/HB 107: Wireless Communications While Driving
This post originally appeared on Beck Partners’ Blog and is republished with permission. Find out how to syndicate your content with theBrokerList.
Florida’s law, CS/HB 107: Wireless Communications While Driving, goes into effect July 1, 2019. This new law allows law enforcement to pull over citizens who are using a wireless communications device while driving.
The burden of proving a driver was utilizing a wireless communications device while driving falls on the law enforcement officer and citizens are not legally required to hand over their cell phones to an officer. Drivers who are talking on a phone with the phone at their ear while driving through a school crossing, school zone or work zone are also subject to a warning or fine.
Safeco Insurance – one of Beck’s auto insurance carriers – provided us with their position on this new law:
This violation would be classified as an “all other-minor moving violation”. These violations are surcharged.
Contact our insurance experts today to learn more about this new law and how it will affect you. View the original press release from Governor Ron DeSantis’ office below:
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs CS/HB 107: Wireless Communications While Driving
Sarasota, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed CS/HB 107: Wireless Communications While Driving. The law authorizes the enforcement of texting while driving as a primary offense. Additionally, the bill specifies that a person may not use a handheld wireless communications device while driving in a designated sensitive area such as a school crossing, school zone, or work zone area while workers are present or operating equipment.
“Throughout our state, we’ve seen far too many accidents where passengers are killed or severely injured as a result of distracted drivers,” said Governor DeSantis. “This bill gives law enforcement the ability to better enforce distractions behind the wheel. We cannot prevent all accidents on our roadways, but it is our hope that by taking action to address distractions today, we might be able to prevent a tragedy tomorrow.”
“We have a responsibility to all Floridians to limit distractions that cause tragedies on our roads,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “This bill is about protecting our residents and preventing as many accidents as possible through smart enforcement and I’m proud to stand with the Governor in this effort.”
“Today’s bill signing is a victory for the families and loved ones of those we’ve lost in traffic accidents,” said Senator Wilton Simpson. “I thank the Governor for his support of this bill and for taking action to enforce distracted driving violations.”
“I want to thank Governor DeSantis and Senator Simpson for their support and dedication to making this law a reality,” said Representative Jackie Toledo. “As a mother, the safety of our children and our communities is paramount. This bill is about saving lives by preventing accidents caused by texting while driving among other distractions on our roads.”
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SOURCE: Staff (17 May 2019) “Governor Ron DeSantis Signs CS/HB 107: Wireless Communications While Driving” (Web Blog Post). Retrieved from https://www.flgov.com/2019/05/17/governor-ron-desantis-signs-cs-hb-107-wireless-communications-while-driving/
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