Can I Text and Drive in Massachusetts?
Can I Text and Drive in Massachusetts?
No. Many people wonder if it is legal to use their phone in while driving in Massachusetts. Effective February 24, 2020 Massachusetts enacted a handsfree driving law that prohibits ANY use of cell phones or other electronic devices, not in handsfree mode, while operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. Under the Massachusetts handsfree driving law, drivers found to be in violation are subject to fines up to $500 and surcharges on their insurance.
What is the fine for texting and driving in Massachusetts?
According to the Massachusetts handsfree driving law the penalties are:
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.
For drivers under 18 it is illegal to use any electronic device while driving in Massachusetts even if it is in handsfree mode.
Massachusetts texting and driving law exceptions.
Drivers who are 18 and over
- Can only use electronic devices and mobile phones in hands-free mode and are only permitted to touch devices to activate hands-free mode.
- Not permitted to hold or support any electronic device/phone.
- 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.
- Handheld use is allowed only if the vehicle is both stationary and not located in a public travel lane or a bicycle lane, but is not allowed at red lights or stop signs.
- Voice to text and communication to electronic devices is legal only when the electronic device is properly mounted; use of headphone (in one ear) is permitted.
If you have been injured by a driver texting in Massachusetts
Call our experienced accident lawyers now for a free case evaluation. We are happy to assist you during this time and to work with you to preserve your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Distracted driving in Massachusetts has become a problem over the years and accidents caused by distracted drivers in Massachusetts have increased. If you or someone you have have been injured by a distracted driver call an experienced personal injury lawyer in Everett, MA now.
PROTECT YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS?
It is almost a certainty that law enforcement will be stopping motorist more frequently under the new hands-free law, increasing the likelihood for civil rights violations and/or miss-treatment of motorists. To make sure all interactions with law enforcement are documented, the ACLU has created a new app “ACL BLUE.” The app, when used, instantly video records events and uploads to the ACLU for storage and preservation. You should carefully research the app prior to installation and know the laws pertaining to video/audio recording in Massachusetts and all other states if you use the app. Obviously, this appears to be a very useful tool but SML makes no warranties or representations as this is common sense advice and information, not our legal opinion.
