Using a mobile phone while driving in Massachusetts (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Massachusetts bans holding a mobile electronic device while driving and bans using one unless in hands-free mode. Reading or viewing text, images or video is banned, except a mounted navigation map. The fine is USD 100 for a first offence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $100.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers: you may not hold a phone, use it other than in hands-free mode, or read or view text, images or video on it while driving. A mounted navigation map may be viewed. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not hold or use any mobile phone, including hands-free, while driving. Penalty: USD 100 fine and 60-day licence or permit suspension for a first offence, rising to USD 500 and 1 year. [2] |
Notes
- Operators may not hold a mobile electronic device. The section does not apply to a vehicle that is stationary and not in a part of the public way intended for travel.
- Use is allowed in hands-free mode. Reading or viewing text, images or video is banned even then, except a navigation map on a device mounted on the windshield, dashboard or centre console.
- The fine is USD 250 for a second offence and USD 500 for a third or subsequent offence. A second or later offence also requires a distracted-driving programme.
- Section 13B states no licence points. It addresses only the insurance surcharge for a third or later offence (subsection (e)).
Sources
- Massachusetts General Court: General Laws, Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 13B (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 September 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: M.G.L. c. 90, § 8M: Mobile phone use by persons under 18 while driving (Internet Archive snapshot of 12 May 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Massachusetts and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Connecticut | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 200 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Hampshire | Banned | Hands-free allowed (18+) | USD 100 plus assessment | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New York | Banned | Hands-free allowed | From USD 50 (range USD 50-200) | 5 points |
| Rhode Island | Banned | Allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Vermont | Banned | Allowed | USD 100 to 200 | 2 points |
More rules in Massachusetts
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 6 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 40 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16½ (junior operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1 and 2 (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers included)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named unless locking or spring-release · Locking or one-handed knives: Locking-draw devices banned; switchblade ban void
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (sales to under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales to under 21 banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% = licence suspension (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.