MA S2198

Bill

Relative to hands free cell phone devices

Introduced
04/11/2019

In Committee
05/02/2019

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

For legislationfor legislation to prevent driver distraction and motor vehicle fatalities,- reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2198).

AI Summary

This bill aims to prevent driver distraction and motor vehicle fatalities by regulating the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. The key provisions are: 1. It defines "hands-free mode" as the operation of a mobile electronic device without the use of either hand, allowing only a single tap or swipe to activate, deactivate, or initiate the hands-free feature. 2. It prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices while driving, except in hands-free mode, and prohibits manually inputting information into GPS or navigation devices. 3. It establishes fines for violations, with increased penalties for repeat offenses, and provides an affirmative defense for using a device for emergency purposes. 4. It makes a third or subsequent violation a surchargeable incident under motor vehicle liability insurance policies. The bill aims to improve road safety by reducing distracted driving and preventing accidents related to the use of mobile devices while operating a vehicle.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Joint Committee on Transportation (J)

Last Action

New draft substituted, see S2216 (on 06/06/2019)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2198

(9 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2198
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2198.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H3179	Requiring the hands-free use of mobile telephones while driving	Accompanied H3149	Similar To
H3793	Requiring the hands-free use of mobile telephones while driving	Reported by H4203	Similar To
H4203	Requiring the hands-free use of mobile telephones while driving	Signed by the Governor, Chapter 122 of the Acts of 2019	Similar To
S129	Resolve relative to disclosure of radio frequency notifications	Resolve reported favorably by committee as changed and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S130	Relative to the safe use of electronic devices by children	Accompanied a study order, see S2534	Similar To
S2057	Relative to hands free cell phone devices	Accompanied a new draft, see S2198	Replaces
S2216	Preventing distracted driving	Reprinted as amended, see S2245	Replaced by
S2245	Preventing distracted driving	Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means	Similar To
S7	Relative to improving safety on the roads of the Commonwealth	Ought NOT to pass (under Joint Rule 10) and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session	Similar To

Bill > S2198

MA S2198

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (0)

Other Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

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