MA S1908

Bill

Relative to hands free cell phone devices

Introduced
01/23/2017

In Committee
01/23/2017

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2018

Introduced Session

190th General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation relative to hands free cell phone devices. Transportation.

AI Summary

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to prohibit the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle, unless the device is being used in a "hands-free" mode. The bill specifies that drivers cannot touch or hold the device while driving, except to activate or deactivate a feature. It also prohibits the use of devices capable of accessing the internet to compose, send, or read electronic messages or input information into a GPS/navigation system. The bill establishes fines for violations, but provides an affirmative defense if the device was used for emergency purposes, such as reporting a disabled vehicle or requesting medical/police assistance.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (5)

Cynthia Creem (D), Jonathan Hecht (D), Joan Lovely (D), Kathleen O'Connor Ives (D), John Velis (D),

Last Action

Accompanied a new draft, see S2058 (on 05/03/2017)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S1908

(10 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S1908
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S1908.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1860	To clarify penalties for violations occurring while driving with a hardship license	Read second and ordered to a third reading	Similar To
H1878	Prohibiting cell phone use in school zones	Accompanied a study order, see H4502	Similar To
H1879	Regulating rental car companies	Accompanied a study order, see H4502	Similar To
S1990	Relative to increasing the civil fines and financial responsibilities and criminal penalties of motorists who violate the right of way of other motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists and/or pedestrians, resulting in serious bodily injury and/or death	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S1991	To enhance the license plate system of the commonwealth	Referred to the committee on Senate Rules	Similar To
S1998	Providing for a distinctive registration plate for Olympians	Accompanied a study order, see S2483	Similar To
S2000	Relative to educational requirements for class 2 motor vehicle licensees	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S2058	To prevent driver distraction and motor vehicle fatalities	New draft substituted, see S2092	Replaced by
S2092	To prevent driver distraction and motor vehicle fatalities	Reprinted, as amended, see S2103	Similar To
S2106	Similar Bills	See S2092	Similar To

Bill > S1908

MA S1908

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary