With students heading back to school, it’s a good time to remind drivers about Florida’s updated hands-free law.
Reports show that the average person checks their phone 58 times per day.
Nearly 270 crashes in Duval County last year happened because someone was on their phone, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida’s expanded Hands-Free Law, which took effect July 1, tightens the rules on phone use behind the wheel, and officers say following it could help prevent a serious crash.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:
- Put it on Bluetooth or speaker—or just put it down
- If you break the law, you could face a fine, points or even a license suspension
- The law goes beyond texting. Now, even talking or scrolling on a handheld phone is against the rules. So don’t hold your phone while driving—even for calls.
- You’re expected to go completely hands-free, unless it’s a single tap to launch a function, like starting your GPS
- That means no excuses in school zones, active work zones, or anywhere you’re driving.
Officer Max Morel with JSO says the goal is to keep everyone safe.
“We want to make sure no one is out there distracted and driving. If you have to take a phone call, make sure you’re utilizing your Bluetooth. You have one available in your vehicle. Or put it on speaker phone or put that phone away. Or simply put it down next to you,” Morel said. “We don’t want you driving, looking at your phone while trying to maneuver around as well. It applies the same way as texting and driving. It’s just simply a no-go.”
If you’re not sure whether your setup is legal, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website has a full list of what’s allowed—and even shows you how to switch your phone to hands-free mode.
Just visit https://www.flhsmv.gov.