5/6/09-A bill died that sought to prohibit drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel.
Drivers would have been prohibited from using the devices while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still have been permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami Gardens, S172 would have made it a secondary offense to drive while chatting – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. It also prohibited drivers from text messaging.
Emergency calls would have been exempted.

1/21/09-A bill prefiled for the 2009 regular session would prohibit drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel.
Drivers would be prohibited from using the devices while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami Gardens, S172 would make it a secondary offense to drive while chatting – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. It also would prohibit drivers from text messaging.
Emergency calls would be exempted.
The bill is in various Senate committees awaiting consideration when the session begins in March.
For bill status, call 850-488-4371. In Florida, call 800-342-1827.