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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Driving and texting is about to get harder under a proposed law that requires Massachusetts drivers to keep their hands at "ten and two" on the wheel—and off of their phones.
The proposed bill, meant to reduce traffic accidents and death, passed the state's House of Representatives by an overwhelming 155-2 vote.
It would require drivers to use hands-free technology to use their phone. They would only be able to use GPS if the phone is mounted on their dash.
The bill would also institute fines of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for third and following violations.
There is also a requirement in the proposed law for the state to study the feasibility of collecting racial information during all traffic stops, in order to mitigate racial profiling by police.
The State Senate will debate a similar bill next month.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports