Florida Senate - 2011                                      SB 80
       
       
       
       By Senator Lynn
       
       
       
       
       7-00014-11                                              201180__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to state uniform traffic control;
    3         prohibiting the use of electronic communication
    4         devices to send or receive text-based communications
    5         while operating a motor vehicle; providing exceptions;
    6         providing a penalty; providing an effective date.
    7  
    8  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
    9  
   10         Section 1. Use of electronic communication devices in motor
   11  vehicles.—
   12         (1) A person may not use an electronic communication device
   13  to compose, send, or read a text-based communication, including
   14  text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, or paging, while
   15  operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway, as defined in
   16  s. 316.003(53), Florida Statutes.
   17         (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to:
   18         (a) A law enforcement officer or emergency medical services
   19  personnel in the performance of their official duties; or
   20         (b) A person using such device to:
   21         1. Report illegal activities;
   22         2. Summon medical or other emergency help; or
   23         3. Prevent injury or damage to a person or property.
   24         (3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic
   25  infraction, punishable by a fine of $100 for each offense.
   26         Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.