A long-awaited bill signed into law last year by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker making it illegal to hold a cellphone while driving in the Bay State is finally set to go into effect.
The law aims to eliminate distracted driving by criminalizing the act of holding a cellphone while behind the wheel.
Here's what to know about the law that has been years in the making:
When does it take effect?
The law will take effect Feb. 23, 2020.
However, a grace period will be implemented through March 31 during which first-time offenders would receive only a warning.
What exactly does hands-free mean?
Hands-free driving is defined as cellphone use while behind the wheel without the use of your hands. Such methods can involve using voice-to-text technology, auxiliary systems or Bluetooth and the use of mounts that could hold electronic devices.
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Under the new bill, the use of all electronic devices would be forbidden unless they are used with hands-free methods. Drivers could still use navigation systems if they are mounted on the dashboard, center console or windshield.
The bill states that a "single tap or swipe" to activate or deactivate hands-free mode is permitted.
Penalties
Fines for those who disobey the law would range from $100 to $500.
First-time offenders would face a $100 fine, $250 fines would be issued for second offenses and a third or any subsequent offense would face a $500 fine and woudl also draw auto insurance surcharges.
In addition to the fines, drivers who commit a second or subsequent offenses would be required to complete a Registry of Motor Vehicles program about distracted driving.
Data collection
The RMV will collect data from any Massachusetts drivers who are cited or receive a warning for violating the law.
Characteristics that would be taken into account are race, age and gender. The data would be kept for "statistical purposes" and given annually to the Secretary of Public Safety and Security's Office.
Lawmakers for years argued about racial profiling in the RMV's data collection, which stalled agreements on the bill.
