Massachusetts lawmakers gave initial approval to a proposed bill that would prohibit drivers from holding a cell phone, except in emergency cases.
A second vote of Massachusetts state representatives is needed for the bill to go the Massachusetts Senate.
There are 14 states, including New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York that have hands-free laws.
It has been illegal in Massachusetts since 2010 for drivers under age 18 to use their phones in their vehicles.
Texting and driving is already illegal in the Commonwealth.
Drivers caught are given a $100 ticket for the first offense, $250 for the second, then $500 for subsequent offenses.
Proposed fines for drivers using their phones, if a hand-free state law passes, range from $100 to $1,500.
One of the bills proposed in the Massachusetts House of Representatives seeks to toughen distracted driving penalties too, proposing a license suspension of 90 days and an initial fine of $250 for a first offense, $500 for the second, $750 for subsequent offenses.
A second vote of Massachusetts state representatives is needed for the bill to go the Massachusetts Senate.
There are 14 states, including New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York that have hands-free laws.
It has been illegal in Massachusetts since 2010 for drivers under age 18 to use their phones in their vehicles.
Texting and driving is already illegal in the Commonwealth.
Drivers caught are given a $100 ticket for the first offense, $250 for the second, then $500 for subsequent offenses.
Proposed fines for drivers using their phones, if a hand-free state law passes, range from $100 to $1,500.
One of the bills proposed in the Massachusetts House of Representatives seeks to toughen distracted driving penalties too, proposing a license suspension of 90 days and an initial fine of $250 for a first offense, $500 for the second, $750 for subsequent offenses.
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