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Florida’s upgraded texting while driving laws have remained in effect since last month. With the new laws, law enforcement officers can issue drivers a citation if they are caught. However, there are potential scenarios that may arise requiring the use of a phone without the intention to text and drive.

Miami, FL – When a person receives a DUI conviction, people may think it means that the offender’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was at least 0.08 percent or more. Is it still possible to be charged, however, if the driver’s BAC remains below the legal limit? Let's go into this issue a little deeper.

The new laws mean drivers may need some time to adjust. For example, parents with school-age children may be used to using their phones while they await their child in the pick-up line, to communicate with them for example. Unless the parent is using a hands-free solution, holding the phone while in the pick-up line would be illegal.

Paying a violation tends to be a default option, particularly if it's a moving violation. However, this may result in points on the license and it will likely lead to a more expensive insurance premium. If it is a non-moving violation, then paying the ticket makes more sense. The fines are minor and they often don't involve points being added to a driver's license.

School zone speeding is a serious offense, which means penalties are strict if drivers are caught breaking the law. A driver may receive a fine of more than $1,000 based on how fast they were speeding through the school zone. Furthermore, they may receive points on their driving record, including six points and a possible license suspension if the driver causes an accident while in the school zone.

Florida texting while driving law is now effect, and drivers may find themselves unintentionally using their phone to send a message. Breaking the habit may prove tricky, but tools are available to help.

Some of the new security changes being implemented in the new licenses include a tactile security feature located on the front of the license. The magnetic strip typically seen on the back of the card is no longer there.

Drivers that don’t wear their seat belt when they’re out and about may wish to be extra careful when navigating the Florida roads! A number of Florida police departments across recently kicked off the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt campaign. During this campaign, law enforcement officers will be upping their patrol until the 2nd of June as more drivers are expected to be out on the roads because of the recent Memorial Day weekend.

As Florida looks to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the road by proposing bills with larger consequences, another unrelated bill was filed earlier this year in the Florida House. With House Bill 849, school districts would be able to equip school buses with cameras that can record the license plates of drivers passing the bus when students are entering or exiting the bus.

During a rainstorm, headlights should remain on so fellow drivers can spot the vehicle during a heavy downpour. However, hazard lights should not be used. Drivers in South Florida may have seen others using their hazard lights on a rainy day for apparently no reason. Using these hazard lights on roads only results in greater confusion and more danger during rainy conditions. The use of these hazards (also commonly referred to as "flashers") is illegal and may result in a fine.