Police remind residents of upcoming hands-free law

Feb 18, 2020

Dartmouth Police and Police Chief Brian Levesque are reminding residents of the upcoming hands-free law that goes into effect on February 23 for drivers across the state.

From February 23 onward, ‘An Act Requiring the Hands-Free Use of Mobile Telephones While Driving’ will prohibit drivers from using cell phones and other hand-held devices while operating a vehicle.

There will be a grace period through March 31 in which drivers will get a warning for their first violation rather than a fine.

The new law states that no motor vehicle operator may use electronic devices while driving unless the technology is being used hands-free.

Drivers found to be texting, dialing phone numbers or using a phone with their hands in any capacity while driving will be fined.

Hands-free technology is permitted, including Bluetooth, "single tap or swipe" to activate or deactivate hands-free mode, navigation technology mounted to the car's dash, and phone use in emergency situations.

Drivers may use their phones if they are stopped and not in an active traffic lane.

The penalty for drivers who are found guilty of violating the hands-free law is a $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and a $500 fine for a third or subsequent offense.

Those who commit two or more offenses are also required to complete an educational program focused on distracted driving prevention. Any more violations will count as a surchargeable incident, which can affect the driver's insurance rates.

"The goal of this new law is to improve road safety in our communities by eliminating driving distractions," said Chief Levesque. "This requires drivers to put down their phones and actively pay attention to their surroundings while driving. We hope to see this law have a positive impact by reducing the number of traffic incidents that are caused by distracted driving."

Law enforcement agencies will also be required to report data on violations. Data collected by law enforcement will be available to the public.

The new law does not apply to public safety personnel or emergency first responders using a mobile electronic device while driving an emergency services vehicle and performing their duties.