Governor Signs Anti-Texting Law

This afternoon, Gov. Deval Patrick signed the Safe Driving Bill, giving distracted drivers until October to mend their ways.

Under the new law, which takes effect in October, any driver caught composing or reading a text message can be cited and fined $100. Operators of public transportation vehicles who violate the ban will be subject to a $500 fine. Law enforcement will have the authority to stop any driver suspected of texting. However, the offense will not be considered a moving violation and will not be subject to an insurance surcharge.

"Without question, this new law will save lives on our roadways," said Patrick. "Texting is one of the riskiest distractions that endangers public safety and today we are joining other states by saying it will no longer be tolerated."

Drivers under 18 cited for using any type of cell phone or mobile electronic device with or without a hands-free feature will be subject to a $100 fine and a 60-day suspension of their driver's license. Offenders will also have to complete a driver attitudinal course before their license is reinstated. Massachusetts is the 29th state to ban dangerous driving behavior.

The MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles will also require any driver age 75 or older to renew their license in person at an RMV branch or office location and undergo a vision test every five years. The division will also develop standards to help law enforcement, health care providers and families better assess a driver's ability to handle a vehicle safely.

Additionally, under the new law, any driver who accrues three or more surcharge-able incidents within a two-year period will be required to take a driver retraining and safety course or face the suspension of their license.

"Texting is the most dangerous form of distracted driving, and a ban on texting while driving will protect all motorists in the Commonwealth.  We believe this new law is a powerful step in the right direction when it comes to public safety," said Mark Shaw, President and CEO of AAA Southern New England.