It looks like Florida's texting-and-driving ban, which was at one point was almost derailed by the House added some frivolous amendments to it last month, will become a thing when Rick Scott signs it into law next week.
The bill barely made it to the governor's desk thanks to an amendment the House added to it that pretty much ensured it would die a slow death.
Evidently, the bill has not died. Way to go, bill!
The bill will make it illegal to read or type texts, IMs, or emails while driving,. But, drivers will be able to do those things when their vehicle is stopped, like at a red light, for example.
Of course, catching people while texting and driving will be a tricky thing to pull off.
Cops will have to pull a driver over for some other kind of moving violation, and then tag them with a texting and driving ticket, if they think that was the case.
In other words, Floridians can't be pulled over for texting and driving on its own.
Also, cops will not be allowed to obtain a driver's cell phone records except in the case of an accident that caused and injury or death. In addition, any driver who decides to contest a texting-while-driving ticket could ask a judge to throw out the case due to lack of evidence.
In a statement regarding the signing of the bill, Scott said:
"As a father and a grandfather, texting while driving is something that concerns me when my loved ones are on the road. The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the deadliest days on the road for teenagers. We must do everything we can at the state level to keep our teenagers and everyone on our roads safe. I cannot think of a better time to officially sign this bill into law."
Some exceptions to being caught texting and driving include the use of a GPS, texting to cops to report a crime, and voice-to-text phones.
Follow Chris Joseph on Twitter
Follow @NewTimesBroward
