Florida lawmaker pushes for tougher restrictions on distracted driving

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - One Florida lawmaker plans to crack down on distracted driving.

State Representative Jackie Toledo is pushing for a bill that would allow authorities to pull you over for using your phone in the car. 

Earlier this year, Toledo's bill banning solely texting and driving made it through the Florida House, but stalled in the Senate. Critics said it would violate civil liberties because law enforcement would have to inspect devices.  Toledo says that the new bill solves that problem.

"This completely takes that away and says if you are touching your phone, you're breaking the law. Regardless of what you're doing," Toledo says. "We must send a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated."

The next state legislative session begins in March.

This story was written in Orlando, Florida.