Hands Off: MA Distracted Driving Law Now In Effect, Town Warns

BURLINGTON, MA — Driving with a cell phone in your hand is now illegal in Massachusetts, the town of Burlington reminded residents. The "hands-free" law went into effect Sunday. Drivers who can't put the phone down will get a warning from police until March 31, but fines begin soon, according to the following schedule, per the town announcement:

"Penalty for violating the hands-free law 1st offense – $100 fine.
2nd offense – $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program.
3rd and subsequent offenses – $500 fine, plus insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of distracted driving educational program"

Electronic devices in hands-free mode are still legal for drivers 18 and over, but drivers can only touch their devices to activate hands-free mode.

More information on the new law is available here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.