Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight provides court defense for texting while driving
Quote:
Originally Posted by “Sheriff Tom Knight”
Drivers cannot use their phones at all while driving.
Law enforcement officials can conduct a traffic stop based on probable cause that you are texting, emailing or instant messaging.
The exceptions are if you are:
- Reporting an emergency
- Using a device for navigation purposes
- Receiving safety-related information
- Conducting communication that does not require manual entry of multiple letters or numbers
Because the deputy is in one car and the driver in the other, the deputy cannot see exactly what the driver is using his phone to do.
According to the law, the driver does not have to surrender his phone to an officer — which means the deputy cannot establish that a violation of the law occurred.
Full letter:
https://www.heraldtribune.com/opinio...aw-problematic
