Orange County deputies crackdown on drivers using phones in school, construction zones

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies initiated another crackdown on drivers using their cellphones in school and construction zones Thursday morning.

Deputies said 71 traffic stops were conducted with 76 tickets being handed out.

Those citations included 50 for violating the “hands-free” law and 26 for other violations.

A recent law made texting and driving a primary offense and also banned using a phone at all in those areas. Officials said even though the law has been in place for two months, drivers still seem to not be following.

Officials held a similar crackdown in Seminole County where they warned offenders of the dangers of not paying attention while in the zones.

READ MORE: Seminole County officials warn drivers to adhere to new cell phone law in school, construction zones

“We’re mainly using this platform to educate the public but now the grace period is over and we are in an enforcement period,” said Deputy Christian Marrero with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

READ MORE: No more warnings: Using phone while driving in Florida now results in tickets

Deputies began setting up at 7 a.m. at a school zone near Forest City Road and a construction zone off John Young Parkway.

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