Bill > H3445

This bill aims to further regulate technology used in automobiles. The key provisions are: 1. Vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2025 and sold in the Commonwealth must have their original equipment display areas locked out from certain tasks while the driver is operating the vehicle, including manual text entry for messaging, displaying video, non-video graphics/photos (except maps), and displaying text unrelated to driving. 2. Aftermarket devices installed in vehicles on or after January 1, 2025 must also be locked out from the same tasks while the vehicle is being driven. 3. Portable devices offered for sale in the Commonwealth after January 1, 2025 must have a "driver mode" that locks out the same tasks when paired with a vehicle's in-vehicle system. 4. Vehicles purchased by the Commonwealth and its entities must comply with these requirements. 5. A 0.5% surcharge will be assessed on non-compliant vehicles, aftermarket devices, and portable devices sold in the Commonwealth starting January 1, 2025. The bill aims to improve driver safety by limiting in-vehicle distractions and tasks unrelated to the primary task of operating the vehicle.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3445