The ban does NOT apply to motorists:

• In cars that are considered stationary (at a red light, or stuck in traffic);
• Texting or emailing to report criminal activity;
• Receiving directions or weather alerts;
• Listening to a radio service or music;
• Using talk-to-text systems such as Siri;

The ban also does not allow authorities to use phone records to prove someone was texting while driving unless there is a crash resulting in “death or personal injury.”

Understanding “secondary offense”

Florida’s texting-while-driving ban, which goes into effect Oct. 1, is considered a “secondary” violation. That means a driver can only be punished for texting if they are pulled over for another offense. Texting while driving is classified as a nonmoving violation — the same as having a taillight out. A first offense carries a $30 fine.

Smokers ARE next!