On Tuesday, the Florida Senate approved legislation by a vote of 36-0 that would require anyone 18 or older to take a course on traffic and substance abuse regulations to obtain a driver's license in Florida. It would also require passing a driver safety course to obtain a learner's permit, and impose tougher penalties for cell phone use while driving.
Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) presented his legislative proposal (SB 994) to the Senate for consideration. During the session, Senator Collins outlined the details of his proposal on the House floor. "The bill aims to improve the educational requirements for obtaining both a standard driver's license and a learner's license," Jay said.
"Driver license applicants who are 18 years of age or older must complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course, unless they have previously obtained a license in another jurisdiction or have successfully completed a Department of Education driver education course," said Collins, who included the learner's permit requirements in the legislation.
The senator clarifies that those wishing to obtain a driver's license as learners will undergo a driver's education course, as well as a theoretical safety-related course authorized by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, replacing the previous one that covered topics such as traffic laws and substance abuse.
Senator Blaise Ingoglia also introduced an alternative amendment to the bill in question that addresses the issue of cell phone use while driving. According to Blaise, this amendment increases the penalties associated with Florida's restriction on texting while driving.
"The amendment changes texting while driving from a non-moving violation to a moving violation, including the points associated with moving violations," he said.
The first offense carries three points. The second offense carries four points. Similar to other traffic offenses, drivers have the option of taking an education course to remove these points from their record, the senator explains.
However, the distinction is that they must attend a new four-hour workshop focused exclusively on the risks of distracted driving, with stories from those whose lives have changed dramatically due to injuries or deaths caused by this situation, Ingoglia added, adding additional requirements specifically related to distracted driving.
"Additionally, the amendment also changes the structure of the current educational point-elimination class to include one hour of the four-hour class on the dangers of distracted driving, including testimonials from people whose lives were forever changed by distracted driving," Ingoglia noted.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2023 U.S. citizens died in 3,275 due to distracted driving.
Similarly, Representative Michelle Salzman (R-Escambia County) introduced a similar bill (HB 889) in the House. If the House approves it and Governor Ron DeSantis signs it, SB 994/HB 889 would take effect July 1.
