The following is information regarding the new texting while driving law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Motorists of all ages should review these laws as there are some significant penalties in place for both junior operators (under 18) and adult operators. The new violations include:

 

SECTION 1:

The use of a mobile phone by a Junior Operator, (under age 18) while operating a motor vehicle is now illegal. Reporting an emergency is the only exception. Drivers are encouraged to pull over and stop the vehicle to report the emergency.

 

Penalties for violating this law are as follows:

•    1st offense-$100 assessment, 60-day license suspension and attitudinal course
•    2nd offense-$250 assessment, 180-day suspension of license
•    3rd or subsequent offense-$500 assessment, 1-year suspension of license
•    $100 reinstatement fee for any suspension
•    Knowledge and road test required for reinstatement

 

SECTION 2:

Use of a Mobile Phone by a Public Transport Motor Vehicle Operator

 

Penalty for violating this law is as follows: 

•    $500 assessment each offense

 

SECTION 3:

Use of a Mobile Phone by a Public Transport Non-Motor Vehicle Operator, Civil Offense-No insurance surcharge (MBTA Trolley)

 

Penalty for violating this law is as follows: 
   
•    $500 assessment each violation

 

SECTION 4:

Improper use of a mobile phone by operators 18 and over, one hand must be on the steering wheel at all times and no use of device can interfere with driving.

 

Penalties for violating this law are as follows:

•    1st offense-$35 assessment
•    2nd offense in 12 months-$75 assessment
•    3rd offense in 12 months-$150 assessment

 

SECTION 5:

Sending/Reading Text Messages 

 

Operators cannot use any mobile electronic device to write, send, or read an electronic message including text messages, emails, instant messages or accessing the Internet while operating a vehicle. Mobile electronic device includes mobile telephone, text messaging device, paging device, PDA, laptop computer, electronic equipment capable of playing video games or video disks or can take/transmit digital photographs or can receive a television broadcast. "Mobile Device" does not include any equipment permanently or temporarily installed to provide navigation, emergency assistance or rear seat video entertainment. The law applies even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic.

Penalties for violating this law are as follows:

•    1st offense-$100 assessment   
•    2nd offense-$250 assessment   
•    3rd or subsequent offense-$500 assessment

 

SECTION 6:

Negligent Operation & Injury from mobile phone use.

Penalties for violating this law are as follows:

Junior Operator (Under 18) suspensions:

 

•    1st offense-180-day suspension
•    2nd or subsequent offense within 3 years-1 year suspension
•    $500 reinstatement fee

Over-18 suspensions

 

•    1st offense-60-day suspension
•    2nd or subsequent offense within 3 years-1 year suspension
•    $500 reinstatement fee