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What The New Texting While Driving Law Really Means

The law that bans texting while driving went into effect on January 1st, but can you even hold your phone while you are driving?  What about at a red light?…

(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The law that bans texting while driving went into effect on January 1st, but can you even hold your phone while you are driving?  What about at a red light? Here are things you need to know about the new law.

If you are in a work zone or a school zone you cannot hold your phone at all or you will get a ticket.

If you are at a red light or sitting still in your car you can use your phone

Can you check directions on your phone? If you are in a work or school zone you can as long as it is for designated safety reasons, like checking your GPS or calling law enforcement to report suspicious activity.

You can use voice texting as long as you are not pressing buttons.  You can voice texting at all time including in work and school zones.

You don't have to show an officer your phone if they ask. The officer is required to tell drivers of their rights to decline a search.

Tickets will cost $30 for a first offense plus court costs. A second offense will cost $60 with five years. Texting in a work or school zone will cost $60 and three points on your driver's license.

Kevin is a member of Tampa Bay‘s Hometown Morning Krewe on 995 QYK. He has been with the station for 25 years, is a Tampa native, and went to Jesuit High School and USF. Go Bulls!. He is passionate about all things Tampa Bay. Kevin writes articles on the ongoing road projects around the Tampa Bay area, awards that Tampa Bay cities and businesses have won and country music happenings around the Bay area. He is always doing many things with his wife and kids. He loves to read books and play video games in his spare time.