Your Phone Behind The Wheel
G.L. c. 90, § 13B — hands free only, and $100, $250, then $500
No holding it at all. In Massachusetts, the operator of a motor vehicle may not hold a mobile electronic device, may use one only in hands free mode, and may not read or view text, images or video on one. A map from a navigation app on a device mounted to the windshield, dashboard or center console is allowed.
| Offense | Fine |
|---|---|
| OffenseFirst | Fine$100 |
| OffenseSecond | Fine$250, and a distracted driving program |
| OffenseThird or later | Fine$500, the program, and an insurance surcharge |
A driver is not operating for this purpose when the vehicle is stationary and out of the part of the road meant for travel. Using a device to report a disabled vehicle, a medical need, a need for police or fire, or a crash on the road is an affirmative defense.
Operators of public transportation, school buses included, may not use a phone at all, hands free included, except as their agency's written guidelines allow; the fine is $500.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.L. c. 90, § 13B — Electronic messages while driving
- G.L. c. 90, § 12A — Mobile phones and devices while driving
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.