Westborough Police Increasing Distracted Driving Enforcement

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough police are in the midst of a distracted driving patrol emphasis in April in line with the state's relatively new hands-free driving law.

Police departments across Massachusetts are taking part in the emphasis this month thanks to grants from the governor's Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The grant will pay for officers to focus solely on distracted driving on top of the usual police activity.

The hands-free driving law went into effect in 2020, outlawing activities like texting and driving and holding a phone while driving — and more odd activities, like eating or reading a book while driving. A fine for a initial offense is $100, although police can choose to waive the first ticket. But repeat offenders can face fines up to $500, plus insurance surcharges.

The law is stricter for drivers under 18: they cannot use a phone while driving under any circumstances, even in hands-free mode. Drivers over 18 can use phones mounted on a dashboard, for example, for directions or a phone call. No driver can touch a phone to text or use an app in general, according to the law.

Read more about the specifics of the law on the state website.