Except for novice drivers and bus drivers, there is no prohibition on cell phone use while driving in Massachusetts. However, all Massachusetts drivers are prohibited from texting.

Cell Phone Use

There is no cell phone prohibition for drivers except that novice drivers in Massachusetts - drivers those under the age of 18 with a learner's permit or provisional license – are prohibited from using cell phones (handheld or hands-free) while driving.

Texting

All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.

Bus Drivers

Bus drivers are prohibited from using any cell phone (handheld or hands-free) and, as with all drivers, they are prohibited from texting while driving.

How is it Enforced?

Text messaging fines are $100 (first offense), then $250, then $500. Fines for novice drivers are as above, plus graduated license suspensions. Bus drivers can be fined $500 for using cell phones while driving. Massachusetts’s text messaging and cell phone laws are considered “primary” laws. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. That is, the officer sees you texting and issues a citation.  Read more about Massachusetts’s distracted driving laws.