{"id":110002,"date":"2026-01-08T05:01:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T05:01:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/110002\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T05:01:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T05:01:09","slug":"florida-bill-would-ban-drivers-from-holding-wireless-devices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/110002\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida bill would ban drivers from holding wireless devices"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"text | article-text\">A new push in Florida would get drivers to put their phones down before hitting the road.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\"><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flsenate.gov\/Session\/Bill\/2026\/1152\/BillText\/Filed\/PDF\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The bill was filed<\/a> by Florida Senator Erin Grall of Vero Beach on Monday, prohibiting drivers from holding wireless devices while driving.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">Right now, texting and driving is illegal in Florida, making it a primary offense. If the proposal becomes law, even picking up a phone while driving could lead to a traffic stop.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">\u201cI think there\u2019s so many distractions out there while you\u2019re driving. People are always on their phones. You see it all the time,\u201d said Michael Valesio.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">The proposed legislation, would ban drivers from holding or resting wireless devices on their laps while operating a vehicle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">The bill applies to devices like cell phones, laptops, tablets and electronic gaming devices. WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache spoke with residents in downtown West Palm Beach and it\u2019s already sparking debate from drivers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">\u201cAny time you\u2019re distracted with your phone it\u2019s a bad thing,\u201d said Mark Neuenschwander. \u201cIf you\u2019re gonna have to have a phone for gps or whatever, get a holder for it so you can put it somewhere where you\u2019re not looking down in your lap and rear-ending someone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">Many say going hands-free could help make Florida\u2019s roads safer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">\u201cYou go on I-95, you can\u2019t travel up and down without seeing two to three accidents so I think maybe it\u2019s needed,\u201d said Valesio.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">The proposed law would not apply to first responders or drivers reporting emergency, criminal, or suspicious activity to authorities. Still, some drivers believe the bill goes too far.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">\u201cI think it\u2019s important to be able to hold your phone,\u201d said Shelby County. \u201cIf you\u2019re at a red light and you need to pick up the phone really quickly if something\u2019s going on. What if you have littles and there\u2019s an emergency at school?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">According to the <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flhsmv.gov\/safety-center\/driving-safety\/distracted-driving\/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPL_8pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMYXdIV2MxRFprQXRCd2M5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjJkMLC197mL5hnv0f_KTdMXiy5reNJMkh0b7v54FnAnXxm54LiEMmmUOr5H_aem_3p3A5kUKOEmoJS9r77Xv2Q\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles<\/a>, more than 103,500 crashes in 2024 involved distracted driving.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">Drivers who violate the proposed law in school or construction zones could face fines starting at $150, along with three points added to their driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text | article-text\">We reached out to Senator Grall requesting for comment on the proposal but we are waiting to hear back. <\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright |\">Copyright 2026 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A new push in Florida would get drivers to put their phones down before hitting the road. 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