Starting October 1^st, there is going to be a law in effect making it illegal to text and drive in state of Florida. The sunshine state will be the 41^st state with such a law.

Patrick Prior believes that the texting and driving law will be highly enforced at Osceola High school. “It would be good for this school to cut down on the distracted drivers,” said Patrick, 10^th grader.

Deputy Shorter, Osceola School Resource Officer, said he plans to enforce the law. Deputy Shorter said if he catches drivers texting once, it’s a warning; if he catches them again, it is going to be a $30 ticket. Deputy Shorter said he plans on educating drivers about the law as well.

According to the law, consequences if caught texting while driving are:

1^st offense for texting while driving is: $30 ticket plus a court cost.

2^nd offense for texting while driving is: $60 ticket plus a court cost.

3^rd offense for texting while driving is: $90 ticket plus a court cost.

4^th offense for texting while driving is: $120 ticket plus a court cost.