Beginning Monday, February 23, people driving in Massachusetts will be prohibited from using any electronic device — including cellphones — unless the device is used in hands-free mode.
Penalties for not abiding to the hands-free law include fines up to $500.
Here’s how it works:
For anyone over 18:
- Can only use electronic devices and mobile phones in hands-free mode and are only permitted to touch devices to activate hands-free mode.
- Cannot touch phone except to activate the hands-free mode and can only enable 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.
- Not allowed to touch device for texting, emailing, apps, video, or internet use.
- Activation of GPS navigation is permitted when the device is installed or properly mounted.
- Voice to text and communication to electronic devices is legal only when device is properly mounted; use of headphone (one ear) is permitted.
- Anyone under the age of 18 are not allowed to use any electronic devices. All phone use while driving is illegal, including use in hands-free mode.
Penalty for violating the hands-free law:
- 1st offense – $100 fine.
- 2nd offense – $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program.
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $500 fine, plus insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of distracted driving educational program.
Operators may use a cell phone to call 911 to report an emergency. If possible, safely pull over and stop before calling 911.
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