TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014 A state senator in Florida wants to expand restrictions for distracted driving.<\/p>\n
State Sen. Erin Grall (R) filed SB 1152, also known as the “Florida Hands-Free Driving” bill, this week. <\/p>\n
If passed, it would ban drivers from holding cell phones, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, or other wireless communication devices while behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
If they’re in a school or work zone, violators would face a $150 fine on their first offense along with a 3-point license assessment, a $250 fine on their second offense along with a 3-point license assessment, and a $500 fine on their third offense along with a 4-point license assessment and a 90-day license suspension.<\/p>\n
Drivers would be able to use their device through a hands-free accessory without penalty.<\/p>\n
Currently, Florida has a ban on texting while driving and a ban on the use of electronic communication in work or school zones, but drivers can still hold their phones while behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
But other states, including Georgia and Alabama, have had “hands-free” laws on the books for years.<\/p>\n
A Tallahassee father has pushed for stricter distracted driving laws for years, after his son died in a motorcycle crash on Old Bainbridge Road in 2014.<\/p>\n
Demetrius Branca says the driver that hit his son Anthony ran over the 19-year-old from behind before coming to a stop. Branca argues the driver was distracted.<\/p>\n
“The only way for me to go to the grave, breathe my last breath is to hear Anthony in my ear saying ‘Dad, that’s a life lived right,'” Branca told us in 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to the Federal Highway Administration, distracted drivers are 23 more times likely to be in an accident than those with their eyes on the road.<\/p>\n The senate bill currently does not have a companion in the house.<\/p>\n Florida’s legislative session begins on Jan. 13.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.<\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram\u00a0<\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n