Florida lawmakers push to ban holding phones while driving

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Two new bills in the Florida Legislature aim to ban drivers from holding their phones while on the road.

Senate Bill 1152 and House Bill 1241, filed this week for the 2026 session, would expand current driving laws to prohibit holding or supporting handheld devices, including phones and laptops, while driving.

Currently, Florida law bans texting while driving but still allows drivers to hold their phones.

“I don’t like it. It’s dangerous. You’re not focused on driving,” said local driver Alfred Heisler.

Another driver, Robert Wukasch, shared similar concerns. “I’ve been sideswiped or almost sideswiped so many times. People are driving with their phones, texting, driving—it’s insane.”

If passed, the bills would require hands-free driving. Drivers would no longer be allowed to make calls while holding their phones or even keep them on their laps. Violations would result in a noncriminal traffic ticket, with fines of $150 and points added to a license in school or work zones.

“I think it should be passed,” said Judy Leonard, another local driver. “Holding your phone while driving puts yourself and others in danger.”

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported 253 distracted driving tickets and 405 careless driving citations last year, many likely due to drivers looking at their screens instead of the road.

“With all the construction, you see a lot of people stopping,” Leonard said. “That’s understandable, but texting while driving is not safe.”

Florida’s legislative session begins Tuesday, and if the bills pass, drivers could see the new rules take effect by October 1.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.