Warning For Massachusetts Drivers Who Put Their Phone Here
For lots of Massachusetts drivers, using GPS is a daily necessity. From finding a new business in town to traveling into another nearby New England state, having a little help getting there can be important.
But where you put your phone while using this essential feature is apparently just as important.
Obviously driving with your phone in your hand is a big no-no is every New England state, where hands free driving laws are the same across the area. But not every New England state bans an often helpful cell phone device.
Only two states in New England have banned the use of dashboard mounted cell phones. Both Rhode Island and Connecticut prohibit mounting phones and GPS devices to your car's windshield under their distracted driving laws.
And though they are perfectly legal in the Bay State, having a cell phone up on your windshield when you cross state lines could get you pulled over as soon as police see it.
There are 28 states in the U.S. that feel attaching your phone to the inside of your windshield is distracting to the driver because it can block your view of the road and they will ticket you for doing it.
Oddly that is four more than have hands free driving laws.
In Rhode Island, distracted driving laws come with tickets of up to $100, similar to the fine for driving with a cell phone in your hand.
Massachusetts' hands-free law does state that drivers can only use their phone "when the device is installed or properly mounted to the windshield, dashboard, or center console in a manner that does not impede the operation of the motor vehicle." But doesn't specify where "properly mounted" would be.
So even though there is no separate law about mounting your phone, you do want to be mindful of where you mount it. Maybe getting a vent mount before you head out for a great American road trip would be the safer way to travel this summer.