As Massachusetts reopens, Lynn Police are reminding drivers of the hands-free law

LYNN, Mass. — Police in many cities and towns across Massachusetts say that, as the state reopens, along with the holiday weekend, they are seeing more people on the roads. With that, people are distracted and on their phones.

“Do you know why I pulled you over? You were using your phone,” said Lynn Patrolwoman Cara Crowley as she stopped a driver while taking Boston 25 News on a ride-along. The goal was to remind people that you can’t text and drive.

Right before the pandemic hit, Massachusetts became a hands-free while driving state.

For Allisa King, she picked up her phone to take a video of a person dancing on the street.

“I was at a red light and saw a man dancing on the side of the road, and took a snap chat video of it and that’s why I have the phone in my hand,” said Allisa King from Lynn.

“Due to the pandemic, a lot of people were working from home and not working and they didn’t have to drive as much,” said Crowley.

“You forget very easily,” said King.

The law says you aren’t allowed to look at pictures or videos unless it’s to help with navigation and the phone has to be properly mounted.

“You can’t be on the phone while driving,” said Crowley.

We spoke to 19-year-old Steven Nova, who just graduated high school.

“Kind of nervous a little, but you shouldn’t text and drive,” said Nova. “I was changing music, I wasn’t even texting.”

Under the law, first-time violators will get a $100 fine. The second time, a $250 fine and subsequent offenses will result in a $500 penalty.

“Put your phone away, just pay attention to the road,” said Nova.

The drivers that got pulled over today both received a warning and were let go. But again, remember, in Massachusetts it’s illegal to have a phone in your hand while you’re driving.

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