Texting While Driving In New England Is Banned

Did you know that you can be stopped and cited (receive a traffic ticket) by a law enforcement officer for texting while driving in New England?

 

It is a primary offense throughout the New England states for drivers to draft, read or send email or text messages (SMS) from mobile communication devices—mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or any other type of personal communication device–while operating a motor vehicle.  Although these actions have been unlawful for several years, it is a secondary offense in many cases (i.e., you may be stopped solely for the reason of texting or you may be cited for texting if you were stopped for another reason).

 

In addition:

You are NOT permitted to use your mobile telephones, PDA or other personal communication device while driving on Federal installations or property, unless you are using a hands-free device.

Laws vary by each individual US state. However, one great resource is the Digest of Distracted Driving Laws. The website provides an in-depth report of the distracted driving laws in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of June 2012. It also provides a summary chart of the key provisions of state laws. The Digest is updated once per year due to the extensive research required, however states continue to enact laws throughout the year. For the most current information on state laws, please refer to the map on the Digest of Distracted Driving Laws.

Young Drivers: Most states have laws in place prohibiting drivers under the age of 18 from using their mobile telephones while driving for any purpose–even when using a hands-free device.

New England Laws:

 

Maine: Maine has passed a law making it against the law to drive while distracted in the state

New Hampshire: Ban on texting for all drivers

 

Vermont: Ban on texting for all drivers

 

Massachusetts: Bans texting, limits cell phone use while driving.

 

Rhode Island: Texting while driving is banned for all drivers, regardless of age or license status

 

Connecticut: Texting while driving is banned for all drivers, regardless of age or license status

 

 

For more information on driver safety courses and defensive driving course or our OSHA training courses please contact our staff at United Alliance Services at 877-399-1698 or via email at safetysolutions@unitedallianceservices.com