Bill > H3612

This bill proposes changes to Massachusetts law regarding texting while driving, specifically increasing penalties and clarifying when an operator is considered to be actively operating a motor vehicle. Under the proposed legislation, an operator would be considered to be operating a motor vehicle even when stopped in traffic, but not when the vehicle is stationary and located in a non-travel area of the public way. The bill increases fines for texting while driving, establishing a $250 fine and 90-day license suspension for a first offense, a $500 fine for a second offense, and a $750 fine for a third or subsequent offense. Additionally, the bill ensures that convictions for texting while driving will be recorded in the registry of motor vehicles and can impact an individual's safe driver insurance plan, potentially leading to longer-term consequences beyond the immediate financial penalties. These changes aim to discourage distracted driving and create stricter enforcement of mobile device usage while operating a vehicle.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3612