Last time we told you about a new bill that aims to tackle cell phone usage here in Florida. Called the “Hands-Free Florida Law”, the bill would prevent drivers from utilizing their mobile device to send a text or talk unless they are using a handsfree device. Another bill was recently announced that would take things a step further. HB 107 would make it illegal to even touch a phone, with the bill stating that a driver “may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device….” The sweeping bill has lead to some confusion.
Shortly after its announcement, the Florida representative responsible for filing the bill clarified by stating that drivers would indeed be allowed a single tap. The nature of the bill and the “one tap” caveat does raise some questions and concerns. For example, if the bill were indeed to pass, how would it affect drivers working for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft? These services require using the phone. There is also concern about older vehicles that do not have built-in handsfree technology and how that would affect those drivers.
Should HB 107 become law, it will go into effect on October 1st. Should you wish to read more about it, please visithttps://www.clickorlando.com/getting-results-/driving-change/hands-free-florida-bill-would-allow-drivers-to-tap-cellphones.
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