So, finally, the Massachusetts Legislature has gotten it together and has actually finalized the no texting law. It’s set to go into effect on September 30, 2010.
Here are a few of the highlights:
1. There will be no texting while driving. This means no sending of emails, instant messages or reading of emails, instant messages or texts while you are driving.
Also, and this is important to note: you can’t do any of this while ‘stopped at a red light!
Penalties:
Over Eighteen
- First Offense: $35.00 Fine
- Second Offense: $75.00 Fine (within twelve months)
- Third Offense: $150.00 Fine (within twelve months)
Junior Operators
- First Offense: $100.00 Fine, 60 day license loss, and Driver Training Course
- Second Offense: $250.00 Fine, 180 day license loss
- Third or more: $500.00, 1 year license loss
IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY FROM MOBILE PHONE USE:
- First Offense: 60 day license suspension
- Second or subsequent: 1 year license suspension
The bottom line is it just isn’t it worth it to text while you drive. Also, it’s a new law and yet another way for the police to pull people over! If you get caught, you need an experienced traffic and criminal defense lawyer.
Call the Law Office of Jessica Foley at 866-981-788, email jessica@jessicafoleylaw.com or check us out on the web at www.jessicafoleylaw.com
For some recent news articles see here:
This post was compiled with the assistance of my law clerk, Bishoi Sourial, a 2L at Suffolk Law.
