Maine’s governor has signed into law state Sen. Bill Diamond’s handheld cell phone measure. The new distracted driving rules take effect in mid-September.
Diamond, left, succeeded with a hands-free bill during the previous legislative session, but the plan was vetoed by then Gov. Paul LePage, who rejected its attempt at what he called “social engineering.”
Diamond and his backers found new Gov. Janet Mills more receptive, and she signed the bill into law June 27. (LePage is a Republican and Mills is a Democrat.)
The law prevents drivers from holding and using mobile telephones and similar wireless communications devices and computers. Drivers 18 years and up are allowed to use wireless communications devices in hands-free mode and to activate mounted devices with a single swipe. The state already has a texting and driving law.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has cited “a big distraction problem” in the state “that we need to address,” despite recent near-record lows for traffic fatalities.
Fines will be $50 (first offense), then up to $250. The $250 fine for texting while driving and that offense’s potential license suspensions remain in effect.
Commercial drivers and school bus drivers are exempted while using their cell phones for work.
The effective date for Maine’s new distracted driving law is Thursday, Sept. 19.
Diamond’s bill moved through the 129th Maine Legislature with little drama and not much evidence of the state “libertarian streak” that stalled previous attempts. The measure was approved by the House on June 18 and then by the Senate the following day. Mills’ approval was expected.
> Read more about Maine’s distracted driving laws and legislation.
