Florida lawmakers are taking another shot at cracking down on distracted driving.
This week, State Senator Erin Grall from Vero Beach brought back Senate Bill 1152, a bill that fizzled out in the Senate last session after clearing the House. The idea? If you’re behind the wheel, you can’t hold your phone. Not for texting, not for scrolling, not even for picking a song. The bill spells it out: “handheld manner” covers holding your phone in either hand or even propping it up with your arm or shoulder.
There are a few exceptions. If your car’s parked or you’re dealing with an emergency. Let’s say you need to report a wreck or something suspicious, then you’re in the clear. But if you’re just waiting at a red light? That doesn’t count.
Right now, Florida bans texting while driving, but this bill stretches the rules to cover pretty much any phone use unless it’s completely hands-free. And the penalties sting. Get caught in a school or work zone for the first time, and you’re out $150. Rack up three offenses, and you’re looking at a $500 fine plus a 90-day license suspension.
People backing the bill think it’s overdue and will make roads safer. On the flip side, plenty of drivers say it’s too much, arguing that it goes beyond common sense. Either way, the debate over how far to go to stop distracted driving isn’t going away.
