Update 6/29: The full distracted driving cell phone use ban is being debated in the Massachusetts Senate.

Criminal Charge in Massachusetts? Call Attorney Russell Matson at (781) 817-6332.

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In Massachusetts, it is a ticketable offense to text while behind the wheel, under statute G. L. c 90, Sec13B. The penalty is a $100 fine for a first offense.

It is not currently illegal (as of this writing) to hold a phone in your hand for calls or other uses that aren’t considered active texting or messaging. But legislation is pending in the Massachusetts Senate right now.

April was “distracted driving awareness” month in Massachusetts and nationwide. This means there will be increased high-profile media campaigns and news about texting while driving. In addition, many Police departments get extra Federal grants from NHTSA to pay for patrols, and are looking to write citations to raise awareness about texting while driving and other distractions.

Any electronic messaging via a mobile device, including texting, reading or composing an email, or internet access or communication via phone is not allowed by law. [Read more…]