The old law allowed for drivers to text and drive while their hands were free. The new amendment allows for drivers to text and drive while their hands are in a pocket, which can be dangerous because it can be difficult to control the car when you’re driving with your hands in your pockets. This amendment was made in order to make sure that people are using their phones responsibly and not putting themselves at risk.
The contents of the new law
The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2017, bans the use of wireless communication gadgets while in work or school environments. This includes using cell phones for engaging in social media activities while driving, as well as reading any data on their mobile devices. A violation of the law places a fine of $30 for the initial offense, while the fine could increase to $100 for the second offense.
This law implies that offenders can be fined and arrested for texting and driving, which is a contradiction of the law on its own.
Why was the new law adopted?
The main reason the law was adopted in Florida is because it is seen as a way to reduce crime. ..
The loopholes in the text driving law
The law has some deficiencies that have rendered it inadequate or partly ineffective.
The law requires that the officer on duty provide adequate evidence that a person was truly texting while driving. This means that access to the person’s phone will be required to prove this. The phone can only be accessed after the officer has read the person’s right to him or her. This right includes the right to refuse to be searched without a warrant. Another loophole is the mild punishment and the opportunity for a waiver for first-time offenders. The provision for a waiver of fines for first-time offenders provided they choose to participate in the wireless communication device safety program doesn’t lend credence to the severity of the offense. The law can also be manipulated as a means of racial discrimination. An offender who has perceived himself or herself as part of the group being discriminated against racially can hide under this cover to avoid arrest. In the same way, the law can also be used as a means of discrimination
According to some records, it was discovered that blacks and Hispanics had been issued more tickets under the new law. This undermines the efficacy of the law, as these groups are more likely to be targeted by police. ..
This law excludes people who use it for official purposes and those using it for guidance for directional reasons. The implication of this is that some can use the official front as a cover-up to continue this act. ..
The loopholes in the new gun control law make it difficult to implement it fully, as many people are not aware of the rules.
Reasons to avoid texting and driving.
It is more important to be considerate of others while driving. If you are not careful, you could end up causing damage or even getting yourself and others involved in a dangerous situation.
Conclusion
In Florida, we have enacted new texting and driving laws to reduce the dangers posed by text messaging while driving. This is done to keep you and your passengers safe.
In theory, the law is in place to curb this act. However, in reality, the law has not been put into practice due to a lack of enforcement. ..
The law states that you can’t be arrested for pulling over for texting purposes if you’re driving a car in motion.
This is a common misconception. The law states that you can be arrested for texting while driving if you are stopped at a red light.
