When it comes to using your phone while driving in Florida, the rules aren’t as simple as you might think. Many drivers assume texting at a red light or stop sign is illegal — but Florida law says otherwise.
Can You Use Your Phone at a Red Light or Stop Sign?
Under Florida’s texting-while-driving law, drivers are allowed to use their phones when the car is completely stopped — like at a red light, stop sign, or even in bumper-to-bumper traffic. However, once the car is in motion, it’s a different story. That’s when texting becomes illegal and potentially dangerous.
Can You Be Pulled Over Just for Texting?
Yes — and this is a relatively new development. In 2019, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that made texting while driving a primary offense. This means police officers can now pull you over solely for texting behind the wheel. Before the law changed, texting was only a secondary offense — officers could only cite you if you were already stopped for another violation like speeding.
What’s Still Allowed?
Even while driving, Florida drivers can still use their phones for certain tasks — such as:
- GPS navigation
- Hands-free phone calls
- Emergency alerts like severe weather warnings
But texting, typing, or manually entering data into your phone while the vehicle is moving is strictly prohibited — and dangerous.
What Are the Penalties for Texting and Driving?
Getting caught texting while driving in Florida comes with real consequences:
- First offense: $30 fine and 3 points on your license
- Second offense (within 5 years): $60 fine and another 3 points
- In school or construction zones: Even your first violation will cost $60 and points on your license — just for holding your phone.
What About Self-Driving Cars Like Tesla?
If you’re sitting behind the wheel of a Tesla or other vehicle with autonomous driving systems fully engaged, you’re off the hook — for now. Florida law allows drivers to use their phones if the automated driving system is controlling the vehicle. But remember, not all “self-driving” features are created equal. If the car requires your attention or hands on the wheel, you could still be liable in a crash.
Will Using Your Phone Raise Your Insurance Rates?
You bet it could. Many insurance companies — like Progressive’s Snapshot or Geico’s DriveEasy — use mobile apps to track distracted driving behavior. These apps monitor things like phone handling, sudden braking, and speeding. Repeated phone use while driving — especially texting — marks you as a high-risk driver. The result? Higher premiums.
On the flip side, safe drivers who avoid texting behind the wheel often earn discounts and rewards.
Why Texting and Driving Is So Dangerous
As any experienced Miami car accident lawyer will tell you, texting behind the wheel is one of the leading causes of car accidents today. Looking down at your phone for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving blindfolded for the length of a football field. It only takes a second of distraction to miss a red light, hit a pedestrian, or rear-end another car.
Even though the law permits phone use at red lights, it creates a false sense of safety. Drivers who stay glued to their screens often miss green lights, react slower, and become more prone to accidents when traffic starts moving again.
BOTTOM LINE:
The law might allow phone use at a red light — but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. And once you’re moving? Put the phone down. If you’ve been involved in a crash with a distracted driver, contact a trusted Miami car accident lawyer to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
