BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The new Massachusetts hands-free driving law goes into effect in just nine days.
Under the new legislation, drivers are no longer allowed to use handheld electronics while driving in the Commonwealth.
Drivers are still allowed to use their phone's GPS, as long as the device is mounted to the dashboard of their car, and may use their cell phones using Bluetooth, speakerphone, voice-to-text, or other hands-free methods.
Starting after March ends, officers will go from giving a warning on first offense to a fine of $100, with $200 fines for a second offense, and $500 fines for third and further offenses.
The bill also requires law enforcement to report the age, gender, and race of every driver who gets a warning or violation, so the data can be shared with the public. This is being done in part to assuage concerns of racial profiling as officers pull over drivers violating the law.
The bill goes into effect on Sunday, February 23, 90 days after Gov. Charlie Baker signed it into law.
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