CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. -- A new Florida law restricting electronic device use while driving goes into effect next week, but law enforcement will only be issuing warnings at first.
According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, beginning October 1st, drivers in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area can only use devices in a hands-free manner.
This comes on the heels of a different law that went into effect on July 1st, that allows law enforcement to make traffic stops if drivers are texting while driving. The texting ban does not apply to a driver making phone calls, reading emergency alerts, or using a navigation device, or to a driver whose vehicle is stationary.
Warnings will be given to violators of either law through January 1st.
A first offense will be punishable by a $30 fine, with a second costing $60. Court costs and fees also would apply, and points will be added to licenses.
