It’s safe to say, at this point, that most people know that distracted driving is a bad idea.  Over the last decade, public service campaigns from the government, nonprofits, and even phone companies have raised awareness of the dire consequences of texting and driving. New laws have placed serious restrictions on what people can do with their phones in their cars.  And yet, in Massachusetts, the number of distracted crashes has risen 170 percent from 2014-2016.

It’s time for ads to go beyond awareness and start focusing on behavior change.  A major challenge to this is what researchers call the “third person” effect: when people are reminded of the dangers of texting and driving, they assume it’s the other guy who’s the problem.  Not them-they’re great at multitasking.

Beginning February 23, 2020, MA drivers can only use mobile devices in “hands-free mode.” See the update in red (below) for more info.

Previously, drivers 18 and older were allowed to talk on phones while driving, so long as one hand remained on the wheel at all times, and providing the device did not interfere with driving. For those under 18, any use of a mobile phone while driving (even just for talking) has long been prohibited. Use of Mobile Phone/Electronic Device by Junior Operator comes with a $100 first-offense penalty AND a 60-day license suspense and attitudinal course requirement.

 In November 2019, Governor Charlie Baker signed a hands-free driving bill into law. The bill is titled “ An Act Requiring The Hands-Free Use Of Mobile Telephones While Driving .”  Per the new law, anyone operating a motor vehicle cannot touch or hold a mobile electronic device, “except to perform a single tap or swipe to activate, deactivate, or initiate hands-free mode.” The law allows talking, texting and other tasks to be completed via voice command only. Certain emergency exceptions apply.

No! Under no circumstances can you write, read, or send text messages while driving. Here’s another key point: this restriction applies even when you are stopped in traffic. So don’t try sneaking in a few texts at the red light or during your gridlock commute: it’s a civil offense. The first time you’re caught will cost you $100—$250 and $500 fines come after that.

If you have a hands-free navigational device that is permanently or temporarily affixed to your car, you are not running afoul of cell phone driving laws. But you should not be checking directions from a phone that is loose on your lap or in the passenger seat. Similarly, even if you’re checking websites or emails to help you get where you’re going, you cannot access these screens while driving; that would be considered an offense.

No! See above answer on texting while driving in MA. Another point of emphasis: you cannot read text messages that have already been sent to you while driving.

Penalties vary, depending on the type of offense and whether you’ve already been flagged for it or not.

A first-time violation will result in a $100 fine. Your second offense will cost you $250.  Third offenses and beyond will cost $500 each. AND, once you’re caught a third time. you’ll be in the “surchargeable incident” category, which means cell phone use while driving could affect your MA car insurance rates. (A surcharge-able incident is an at-fault car accident or traffic law offense that may result in an increase in your insurance premium.) Here’s the official lingo:

( e) A first or second offense under this section or section 8M shall not be a surcharge-able 66 incident under section 113B of chapter 175 or under a motor vehicle liability policy as defined in 67 section 34A that is issued pursuant to said chapter 175; provided, however, that a third or 68 subsequent offense under this section or section 8M shall be a surcharge-able incident under said 69 section 113B of said chapter 175 or under a motor vehicle liability policy as defined in said 70 section 34A that is issued pursuant to said chapter 175.