Texting ban takes effect today
Motorists who decide to text while behind the wheel will now face tougher penalties if caught in the state of Florida.
The new ban on texting while driving goes into effect today.
Lt. Charlotte Domingo, Public Information Officer for University Police, said that if caught, drivers could face a non-moving fine of $30 plus court fees.
If an individual commits the offense a second time within a five-year period, it becomes a moving violation with a larger penalty.
In a case in which texting is thought to be the cause of an accident, law enforcement officers may pull a driver’s phone records. If records show the driver was texting at the time of the crash, six points may be added to their license.
Under the new law, texting while driving is considered a secondary offense, which means officers will not be able to pull a driver over solely for texting behind the wheel. Officers can only cite a driver for violating the ban if they were pulled over for another primary offense.
Domingo said the law aims to lessen the number of drivers choosing to divert their eyes away from the road to answer a text message.
“I’ve actually had someone who was obviously distracted by texting on their phone almost hit … my vehicle,” Domingo said. “Anything that takes away a driver’s primary concentration is a danger to everyone else on the road.”
— Staff report
More Stories
Bouldering wall in Rec projected to open after spring break
The Recreation and Wellness Center plans to open a new bouldering wall after spring break following multiple delays, according to assistant director of outdoor recreation Jason Gosch. The bouldering wall, which will replace the old racquetball court, will stand at around 12-14 feet tall, according to Gosch. Unlike a rock-climbing wall, Gosch said extra staff […]
College Board revises AP African American studies class, faculty concerned about impact on higher education
Assistant professor Kyaien Conner said Gov. Ron DeSantis’ initial rejection of Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies course in Florida could be a precursor to restrictions on critical race theory (CRT) classes in the state’s public universities and colleges. College Board released a revised version of the course on Wednesday, omitting some scholars and figures […]
USF Health to comply with DeSantis’ request for data on gender-affirming care
USF Health will comply with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request for Florida’s 12 public universities to send information about students who sought gender-affirming care in the last five years, according to Senior Associate Vice President Donna Petersen. “We’ve been asked by the state to provide some information and we will respond. That’s all we know at […]
Black Student Success introduces new Black Heritage Month events
USF is celebrating Black Heritage Month by coordinating new events that will highlight Black culture, music and education on Black life. Pilar Walker, coordinator for Black Student Success, said her vision is to connect with students in a way that makes them feel seen and appreciated while also educating the general USF student body about […]
Transgender rights demonstration held in response to DeSantis’ gender-affirming care investigation
Following an announcement made by Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate gender-affirming care procedures performed by Florida public universities, freshman communications and music studies double major Brooke Starz felt compelled to take a stand. Starz was one of 12 students handing out flyers linked to a petition for USF leadership to protect transgender students’ rights to […]
‘Sister Cindy’ causes laughter, unease during campus visit
A crowd of students gasped and cheered in front of the Marshall Student Center on Tuesday as social media campus preacher Cindy Smock, known as “Sister Cindy,” evangelized the benefits of an abstinent lifestyle. “At UCF, [students] have mothers that are h*es. Does anyone here have a mother that’s a h*e? Some of them have […]