Hands Free Driving Law

According to driving statistics, it is noted that over 40,000 people each year lose their lives in car accidents; and with the use of cell phones and other technology becoming the mainstream way to communicate and navigate, distracted driving is increasing every day.
To combat this, the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law was approved and went into effect back in 2010. It banned sending or reading texts while driving.
However, as technology becomes more seamlessly integrated into society, there is also a need for updated safe driving laws.
Therefore, nearly ten years after the initial law passed, there is a new regulation that was approved by Governor Charlie Baker last fall.
The Massachusetts Hands-Free Driving Law prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any electronic device, including mobile telephones, unless the device is used in hands-free mode.
Thus, the main difference between these laws is in fact the “hands free” aspect. Prior to Hands-Free Driving Law operators could still hold their devices in their hands when using navigation.
Hands-free driving is categorized as cellphone use while behind the wheel without the use of your hands. This could be voice-to-text technology, Bluetooth, and/or the use of mounts that could hold electronic devices.
Now, motorists who are 18 and older can only use electronic devices in the hands free mode and are only permitted to touch devices to activate hands-free mode. Therefore, this law makes is illegal to hold or support any electronic device or phone.
For drivers who are not 18, the use any electronic devices while driving is illegal, including use in hands-free mode.
The 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.
Also, voice to text and communication to electronic devices is legal only when device is properly mounted; use of headphone (one ear) is permitted.
With the execution of this law, there is the hope that the number of distracted drivers will decrease.
“The Norwood PD is aware, and ready to incorporate this new faction of the law into our every day patrol,” says Kevin Grasso administrative assistant to the Chief of Police.
Massachusetts is not the first to implement handheld bans that penalize drivers beyond just texting. In fact, 20 other states have effected a similar law.
The Penalty’s for violating the hands-free law are fines up to $500, and mandatory completion of safe driving courses for repeat offenders.
“For those who are not already aware, we will be posting information about this to our social media because we want people to be educated, and continue to stay safe on the roads” explained Grasso.
The “hands-free” law is effective as of February 23, 2020, and warnings will be issued until March 31st.