Motorists in Massachusetts may soon have to put down their cellphones when they’re on the road.
A bill prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile electronic devices while driving would also make it illegal to enter information by hand into a GPS device while behind the wheel.
Motorists could still talk on their cellphones, but only with hands-free technology. Exceptions would be made for emergency situations.
The bill calls for a fine of $100 for the first violation, $250 the second time and $500 for all violations after that. Three-time offenders would be hit with an auto insurance surcharge.
Fourteen states including Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York have hands-free cellphone laws.
The state Senate is scheduled to debate the bill Thursday in its first session of the new year.
Topics Personal Auto Politics Massachusetts
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