Driver in Braintree Cited for Using FaceTime While Driving

Image Credit: Braintree Police Department

BRAINTREE, MA - Like many other police departments in the state, police in Braintree began a crackdown on texting and driving Friday. The campaign is part of the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign and is funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The grant runs through April 29.

“Driving and texting is illegal and irresponsible. People who break our state’s texting law will be stopped and fined. Distracted driving is a major problem in Massachusetts, and we’re trying to keep the public safe by fining violators. If you drive and text, you will pay,” said Deputy Chief Wayne Foster in a release.

On the first morning alone, 12 citations were handed out for texting and driving, according to the Braintree Police Department. One of the citations even included a person who allegedly used FaceTime while driving.

In Massachusetts, adult drivers who write, send, or read electronic messages or browse the Internet while driving face a $100 fine for a first offense – even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic. Juvenile operators are entirely prohibited from using mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving, including to make phone calls. The fine for a juvenile first offense is $100 and includes a 60-day license suspension and required completion of a driver attitudinal course.