| We wanted to send a quick reminder about an important new road-safety law in Massachusetts. As you may have heard, drivers are now prohibited from holding a cell phone or other hand-held mobile devices while operating a vehicle . The new law went into effect on February 23.
Under the new law:
- You can operate an electronic device if you are stationary and not in an active travel or bike lane
- You can use a device while driving, but only if it’s in hands-free mode
- You can use a device to help with navigation if it’s appropriately mounted
- You can make phone calls if you’re able to do so without holding the phone, using mobile technology
- You can use a device in an emergency
- You can use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth, and you can “single tap” or “swipe” your device to activate or deactivate the hands-free mode
Violations:
- Beginning April 1, police will issue tickets with a $100 penalty for first offense
- A second violation carries a $250 fine, and a third or subsequent offense carries a $500 fine
- A third or subsequent offense will count as a surchargeable incident on a driver’s insurance
- Drivers who commit multiple offenses must complete an educational program focused on distracted driving prevention
Junior Operators
Existing Massachusetts state law prohibits “junior operators,” or drivers between the ages of 16½ and 18, from using an electronic device while driving except to report an emergency. A junior driver caught talking on a phone or using an electronic device while driving will now be subject not only to fines, but to loss of license ranging from 60 days to a year, depending on the number of offenses. |
