Senate committee approves bill to outlaw holding mobile devices while driving
Image via AP.

Cell phone Mobile phone AP Fog Reveal
While a Senate panel unanimously approved the 'hands-free' measure, many expressed reservations about its impact.

The Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Committee has approved a measure that would make it illegal for anyone in Florida driving a vehicle to hold a mobile device.

The measure (SB 1318) was drafted by Sen. Erin Grall, a Vero Beach Republican who sees a need to increase enforcement of distracted driving.

State law already prohibits texting on mobile devices in Florida while driving. But the new bill would require that drivers cannot touch their mobile devices while a vehicle is traveling and would bar “a person from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner.”

The proposed measure would permit drivers to still use speakers on mobile phones or have those devices linked to Bluetooth transmission or through a patch cord that pipes the audio from those devices into the vehicle’s speaker system.

While the committee members voted unanimously to approve the measure, which now goes to the Senate Rules Committee for review, some had reservations about potential government overreach.

Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, a Spring Hill Republican, said he worries that many motorists have vehicles that predate any Bluetooth hookup technology or patch cord capability. Some motorists have no choice but to hold their mobile phones to their ears.

“My concern is (for) people who do not have the wherewithal to purchase newer vehicles … where they may not have the technology in the vehicle to do this,” Ingoglia said, adding that many drivers also have to touch their smartphones to operate GPS mapping applications.

Ultimately, Ingoglia said, the proposed bill would seem to punish those who do not have the latest and more expensive technology in their vehicles that augments hands-free operation of mobile devices.

But Grall said there are many different mounting stations or clips that allow for interaction with a phone on the device’s open speaker option without holding it or tapping into the vehicle’s stereo system. That option does not require the latest tech, and drivers can still hear whatever is being said on the device.

She added that the proposed measure still allows for discretion by law enforcement officers before issuing a citation that would bring a fine.

Sen. Tom Leek, a St. Augustine Republican, said he has fundamental questions of liberty with the proposal. In all other cases, holding a mobile device is legal.

“Stop and consider what we’re doing. We’re giving the ability of a government actor to pull you over for doing something that is entirely legal,” Leek said. “I think this bill could be better.”

Sen. Tina Scott Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat, said there are all kinds of laws already in place that have changed behavior. She noted that it used to be completely legal to not wear seat belts in vehicles before the so-called “click-it-or-ticket” law went into effect, requiring all motorists to fasten seatbelts.

“The law is there to educate and to create consequences,” Polsky said. “It has become natural behavior and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Polsky said too many people in Florida are being injured or killed due to distracted drivers who are engrossed in their smartphones.

“It’s about prevention. It’s about behavior changing,” Polsky said, adding that the state routinely runs public service announcements about laws and that can happen with this issue. “That is our role. … We can do better and we can save lives.”

The Senate measure is mirrored by a similar proposal that is winding through the House (HB 501) drafted by Rep. Allison Tant, a Tallahassee Democrat.

Drew Dixon

Drew Dixon is a journalist of 40 years who has reported in print and broadcast throughout Florida, starting in Ohio in the 1980s. He is also an adjunct professor of philosophy and ethics at three colleges, Jacksonville University, University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville. You can reach him at [email protected].


6 comments

  • Michael K

    March 26, 2025 at 4:14 pm

    When I see cars weaving, it’s almost always someone on their phone. Or drunk. Or both.

    Reply

    • EARL PITTS AMERICAN

      March 26, 2025 at 8:09 pm

      Thanks Mike but you left out the 3rd & 4th Biggie dangers for Dook 4 Brains Leftist Drivers [AKA DEMOCRATS]:
      Mike when we add the 3rd & 4th Biggies we have your people [Democrats]
      1.) On The Phone
      2 .) Drunk
      3. ) Smoking Weed
      & 4. ) masturbating
      Mike cant Y’all Democrats just, one and all, take ubers everywhere you go?
      Uber, a Democrat Favey Fave, welcomes all 4 of the above things as you ride along.
      Thanks, Mike, and spread the word “in the herd” of your Democratic friends please.
      Thank you again, Mike,
      EARL PITTS AMERICAN

      Reply

  • Paul Passarelli

    March 26, 2025 at 8:10 pm

    When the hands free law went into effect in Connecticut, guess who were the absolute worst offenders? If you guessed ‘the police’, you’d be correct.

    I don’t text. Even when I’m sitting still, but I do on occasion reach for my phone, like when I’m stopped at t red light. Will that now be a crime punishable by two statutes?

    Reply

  • Paul Passarelli

    March 26, 2025 at 8:12 pm

    When the hands free law went into effect in Connecticut, guess who were the absolute worst offenders? If you guessed ‘the police’, you’d be correct.

    I don’t text. Even when I’m sitting still, but I do on occasion reach for my phone, like when I’m stopped at t red light. Will that now be a crime punishable by two statutes?

    I often see idiots glued to their phone, creating a genuine road hazard. The degree of enforcement against these people is frighteningly small. Otherwise i’d see a lot fewer people tempting fate.

    Reply

  • DMV Spokesperson

    March 27, 2025 at 6:40 am

    While we are aware of the large numbers of accidents linked to masturbation while driving we only have chastity belts and weiner cages as our regulatory tools. We are reluctant to have LE put in the position of checking the belts and cages to ensure highway safety.
    At this time we are just promoting keeping both hands on the stearing wheel at all times while the vehicial is in motion to reduce these types of accidents. We are open to any nanny laws regarding this vital highway safety issue of rising concern nation wide.
    The DMV

    Reply

  • JF

    March 27, 2025 at 7:11 am

    This issue actually dates back to the founders who had no problem with the ladies of the day scooting up on the saddle horn for a pleasure ride back in the horse and buggy days. We can not regulate this time honored transportation related pleasurable behaviour or pass nanny laws which will be struck down as unconstituional.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, Liam Fineout, A.G. Gancarski, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Andrew Powell, Jesse Scheckner, Janelle Taylor, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704