Although there is no federal (nationwide) law that prohibits texting or using a wireless phone while driving, many states have passed laws that prohibit such activities—and some municipalities (cities, towns) have also passed ordinances that restrict texting, talking, or emailing while driving. For example:

• 25 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned drivers from hand-held phone use while driving.

• 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

• 37 states and the District of Columbia prohibit all cell phone use by novice drivers.

• 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit school bus drivers from cell phone use while driving.

For more information on state laws, visit the Governor Highway Safety Association page by copying this link and pasting it into your internet browser: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

In Florida, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers. This ban is enforced as a primary offense, meaning that an officer can stop and cite a driver solely for texting while driving. Florida law also prohibits the use of handheld wireless communication devices in school and work zones, which is also a primary offense. However, Florida does not have a complete ban on handheld phone use for all drivers; such use is still legal outside of the specified zones. For novice drivers, which typically include drivers with a learner's permit or those in their first year of driving, there are no specific state statutes that prohibit all cell phone use. Additionally, school bus drivers in Florida are banned from using cell phones while driving when the vehicle is in motion and when children are present. It's important to note that some municipalities within Florida may have their own ordinances that provide stricter regulations on mobile device use while driving.