Norton Police Talk Distracted Driving With Teens

NORTON, MA — Norton High juniors and seniors heard from Norton police and received a thumb band to remind of the dangers of distracted driving and state laws regarding teen mobile phone use while driving on Wednesday. Norton Sgt. Jacob Dennett was on hand for questions when a video was shown to the students about the new "Hands Free" law in Massachusetts to goes into effect on Feb. 23 with written warnings and citations on April 1.

The Teachers Driving Academy donated the thumb bands to help remind teens of these laws and dangers. Students found wearing the bands on "Thumbs Up Thursday" will be given raffle tickets for a pair of wireless ear buds.

Operators under the age of 18 cannot use any mobile electronic device for any reason while driving. The only exception is for reporting an emergency.

First offense for a violation is a $100 fine, 60-day license suspension and required attitudinal retraining course. Second offense is a $250 fine and 180-day license suspension. Third offense and subsequent offenses is a $500 fine and one-year license suspension.

The restrictions are part of the "Hands Free" for all drivers in the state, which includes that no driver can hold a mobile electronic device, no driver can use mobile electronic device unless it is in hands-free mode, no driver can read or view text messages, images or video on a mobile device. GPS devices may be used if they are affixed to the dashboard, windshield or center console in a way that does not impede vision.

First offense violation is a $100 fine. Second offense violation is a $250 fine. Third offense is a $500 fine. The third offense and subsequent offenses also draw auto insurance surcharges.