Citations now enforced on drivers using mobile devices while driving

Texting while driving became a primary offense in July 2019, and a grace period was established in which citations were not enforced on drivers who broke the new law. However, the grace period has come to an end with the start of the new year, which means that citations will be given to drivers who are found to be using a wireless communication device while the vehicle is moving.

If you are caught texting and driving, dialing a call or even inputting an address in a navigation app while the car is moving, you can get stopped by a police officer and receive a $30 citation for your first offense and a $60 citation for your second offense if the second offense occurs within five years from the date of the first offense.

Beginning on your second offense, you can also get 3 points on your license. If you're involved in a car accident and are found to have been texting while driving, you'll receive 6 points on your license. A total of 12 points within 12 months will suspend your driver's license for 30 days. A total of 18 points within 18 months will suspend your driver's license for three months. Lastly, a total of 24 points within 36 months will suspend your driver's license for a year.

Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be a distraction. This means that distractions can also include talking on a cell phone, using a navigation system, and even eating while driving.

Miami-Dade County supports Put It Down, a distracted driving campaign. Take the no-texting while driving pledge.