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Fla. texting while driving ban takes effect Oct. 1

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Floridians should say "CYA L8R" to texting behind the wheel--it's officially illegal in the Sunshine State.

Florida is now the forty-first state to prohibit texting while driving for all motorists. Drivers cannot type emails, text messages, or instant messages into their mobile devices while driving. However, texting is allowed in hands-free high-tech cars when the vehicle is stopped at a red light. You can also text to report criminal activity.

The law goes into effect on Tuesday, October 1. A first time infraction will result in a $30 fine, and the second in a $60 fine. Any offense after that will result in points added to the offender's driver's license.