By: Associated Press

May 17, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Texting while driving in Florida will become a primary traffic offense punishable by fines under a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis signed the bill Friday in Sarasota.

LIVE NOW: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to sign a bill making texting while driving a primary offense Posted by WCTV.tv on Friday, May 17, 2019

Under current law, officers can only cite drivers for texting if they are pulled over for another violation. The new law allows officers to stop motorists simply for texting alone.

A first offense is punishable by a $30 fine, with a second costing $60. Court costs and fees also would apply. The law takes effect July 1, but only warnings will be given until January, when officers can begin writing citations.

The texting ban does not apply to a driver using a navigation device or system or to a driver whose vehicle is stationary.