HANDS ON 10 AND 2! Updated Cellphone Use Laws in Florida
Distracted driving is one of the worst bad habits for drivers today — a dangerous consequence to inappropriate phone usage. Our first priority while driving is to focus on the road, which is difficult to do while trying to multitask. Talking on a cellphone reduces reaction time by 40%. One of the biggest causes of accidents in Florida is due to distracted driving. Consequently, there have been some changes in laws in regard to cellphone usage while driving in Florida. To my fellow Floridians, here are some updates that you need to know. 1. You can talk on the phone while driving. It is not illegal to talk on the phone while driving, but when you are in a school or construction zone, you must be using your
device in a “hands-free” mode. In other words, your phone cannot be in your hand. This is the only time you would need to use a hands-free device while driving, but it is advised that you use a hands-free device at all times. 2. Texting while driving is now a primary offense. It is illegal to text and drive in most states, but in Florida, this was previously a secondary offense. Law enforcement could not pull you over for texting while driving unless you were pulled over for a primary offense, like running a stop sign. But in 2019, texting while driving became a primary offense. Law enforcement can now pull you over without any other moving violation.
or red light, there is no violation. However, it is best to put your phone away and stay focused on the road.
Penalties for Violating the 2019 Florida Cellphone Law If you are pulled over for violating the cellphone law, you will get a three-point assessment on your driver’s license. The violation for first-time offenders is $30 plus court costs and fees. A second violation, within five years after that, is a moving violation with a fine of $60 plus court costs and fees. A first-time offender can choose to take a driver’s safety course to have points and fees waived. Cases may also get dismissed if first-time offenders show the courts that they have purchased a hands-free device after the violation. If you ever find yourself dealing with distracted driving charges, you’re far from the only one. Allow our experts at the Law Offices of Matthew Konecky to help you out — give us a call at 561.671.5995.
Is it illegal to text while in a stationary vehicle? No, it is not. Therefore, if you are at a stop sign
MEME CORNER
Cooking With Ashley
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
• • • • •
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• • • • •
1/3 cup maple syrup 1/4 tsp molasses 1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
Directions
1.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. 3. In a smaller bowl, combine maple syrup, molasses, vanilla, and oil. 4. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry mixture. Mix in chocolate chips. 5. Place large spoonfuls of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 11 minutes.
Inspired by DreenaBurton.com
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www.matthewkoneckypa.com
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