New England has gone hands-free with the launch of Massachusetts’ new cell phone law, which is now in effect.
Gov. Charlie Baker signed the long-debated distracted driving bill into law Nov. 24. (top photo) and it began Sunday, Feb. 23. It bars motorists from holding cell phones. Violators will be pulled over but receive warnings until Tuesday, March 31.
Fines are $100 for first offenders, $250 for second offenders and $500 for third offenders. Serial offenders are required to attend traffic school. And three-time violators will see their offenses reported to insurance companies, resulting in higher premiums.
Enforcement is primary, meaning offenders can be stopped and cited by police for that reason alone.
The state already had a texting & driving law, but was considered ineffectual in halting distracted driving accidents.
“This law holds drivers accountable for keeping their focus on the road while being aware of the vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists around them and we are pleased that it will take effect this week,” Baker said.
Massachusetts was the last state in New England permitting its drivers to hold mobile phones. The sticking point in adopting a hands-free law appeared to be racial discrimination in traffic stops. A compromise version of the measure that addressed that issue sailed through a House vote on Nov. 19 and cleared the Senate the next day.
Massachusetts’ distracted driving law requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to collect data on the race and gender of violators. The law established a process in the event there are suspicions a law enforcement entity may be engaging in racial profiling.
Other elements of the new distracted driving law in the Bay State:
- Handheld use of mobile phones is not permitted at red lights and stop signs.
- All cell phone use while driving remains illegal for minors (those under age 18), including the use of hands-free mode.
- Some touching of cell phones is allow, however briefly: Single-swipe operation is permitted. The state says motorists “can only enable (cell phones) when the device is installed or properly mounted to the windshield, dashboard or center console in a manner that does not impede the operation of the motor vehicle.”
- GPS use: Under the new law, vehicles without built-in GPS, Apple Car Play, or Android Audio must be equipped with a phone mount on the dash or windshield for GPS navigation.
- Touching a wireless communications device for social media use, texting, emailing and other uses of the Internet is not allowed.
- Voice-controlled operation legal only when device is properly mounted.
- Use of headphone (one ear) is permitted.
Massachusetts State Police said they are beefing up patrols to enforce the law during the rollout. “But our hope is that all drivers will comply with this important law and keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel,” said Christopher Mason, superintendent of the State Police. “There is nothing on your screen that is worth your life or the life of another.”
Between 2014 and 2018, 233 people in Massachusetts died in crashes involving a distracted driver.
- Learn more about Massachusetts’ distracted driving laws and the history of its efforts to crack down on texting & driving and cell phone use.
- Read the new law (Chapter 122)
Again, useless politician with empty gestures creating useless laws. Just another profit center for tax-achusetts. They’ll brag about how many $100 to $500 fines, but will never mention that the law has no effect on traffic fatalities.
When are these guys going to learn that laws don’t work. 17 other states have proved it.