Sexting Your Girlfriend While Stuck in Traffic May Soon Be Illegal

State Senator Evelyn Lynn (Republican) wants to protect us from our text-message-addicted selves

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Lynn's recently introduced Senate Bill 80 would ban "text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, or paging, while operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway."

While we're sure that Lynn's intentions are good -- recent studies show texting while driving is dangerous -- isn't it a little onerous to outlaw all email or texting, even if you're stuck in a traffic jam and rescheduling your midnight ménage?

Lynn could not be reached for comment. Here is the meat of the bill:

(1) A person may not use an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication, including text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, or paging, while operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway, as defined in s.316.003(53), Florida Statutes.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to:

(a) A law enforcement officer or emergency medical services personnel in the performance of their official duties; or

(b) A person using such device to:

1. Report illegal activities;

2. Summon medical or other emergency help; or

3. Prevent injury or damage to a person or property.

(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable by a fine of $100 for each offense.

Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.

That's right: $100 per text message -- assuming you're caught, of course.

It's not clear yet what type of support the bill has in the new, super Republican state legislature. Governor-elect Rick Scott has said he's open to cracking down on driving distractions, but may not favor an outright ban.

The fine seems a little steep, but then again, maybe you can tell the cops you were just "preventing personal injury" by returning your girlfriend's text.