Full question:
Is use of cellular phone while driving permitted in Massachusetts?
- Category: Automobiles
- Subcategory: Traffic Laws
- Date:
- State: Massachusetts
Answer:
In Massachusetts, using a handheld cell phone while driving is subject to local regulations. While some areas may ban it, school bus drivers are explicitly prohibited from using a cell phone while driving.
Using a mobile phone while driving can distract drivers and increase the likelihood of accidents. Many states and local governments have enacted laws against cell phone use while driving. There is a common belief that hands-free devices are safer than handheld phones; however, studies indicate that hands-free conversations can impair driving more than other distractions, such as talking with passengers.
Despite legislation allowing hands-free use, research shows that both hands-free and handheld phone use significantly increase crash risks. No state in the U.S. currently prohibits hands-free cell phone use while driving. It's important to note that dialing a number can be more distracting than talking, but voice-dialing features in hands-free devices may reduce accident risks to some extent.
Texting while driving is even more distracting, as it requires taking eyes off the road. Text messaging is banned for all drivers in fourteen states and the District of Columbia.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.