‘Hands-Free’ Driving Law Goes Live on February 23, 2020

February 6, 2020

- By Sabrina Lapointe

There’s a new Massachusetts law that has the potential to impact many REALTORS® and your on-the-go lifestyle. Starting on February 23, 2020, the new “Hands-Free” Driving Law goes into effect. The law prohibits operators of motor vehicles and bicycles from using any electronic device, including a cell phone, unless the device is used in hands-free mode. Violators will be fined up to $500.

The first offense is a $100 fine, the second offense is a $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program. The third and subsequent offenses come with a $500 fine, plus insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program.

Drivers are no longer permitted to hold any electronic device while driving. Phones can only be touched to activate the hands-free mode and can only enable when the device is installed or properly mounted in a way that does not block the driver’s vision.

For more information, please visit Mass.Gov/Handsfree.