BOSTON - A bill prohibiting the use of cell phone use while driving in the state of Massachusetts received a 153-1 vote by House members earlier this week.
On Monday, several state lawmakers filed a bill proposing that all drivers be hands-free in Massachusetts when it comes to using cell phones.
If passed, the new bill would make it illegal for drivers of all ages to use handheld electronic devices while operating their vehicles.
Currently, the laws in Massachusetts only prohibit minors from texting while driving as well as the use of their cell phones for any other means while driving.
The proposal is one of many in the last few years that lawmakers have unsuccessfully manage to pass.
According to Boston.com, the bill clearly states that drivers would be able to use their phones once to turn on hands-free mode only.
Police would be allowed to pull over drivers who are seen holding their devices on public ways whether the vehicle is moving or not as a primary offense.
Drivers pulled over for use of their cell phone could see fines ranging anywhere from $100 for first time offenders, $250 for second offenses.
For any offenses thereafter, drivers who break the law would be hit with a $500 citation, would have to attend a Registry of Motor Vehicles program about distracted driving and would incur an insurance surcharge.
The bill has now been sent to the office of Governor Charlie Baker who will likely pass the bill into law as Baker previously showed his support earlier this year.
“I’m optimistic based on the fact that there seems to be a conceptual agreement that this is something that would be good to get done,” Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters back in May according to the Boston Herald.
Baker added, “But I recognize and appreciate the fact that the details on this one and some of the concerns people have about who gets pulled over and why are legitimate ones and hard ones to deal with.”
If Gov. Baker passes the bill, drivers could see a new law in regards to driving hands-free within 90 days.
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