Orlando Harmon
Maine's hands-free law, which prohibits the use of handheld cell phones and texting while driving, has significant implications for motorists in the state. The law is designed to address the issue of distracted driving, which is a major cause of accidents in Maine and across the country. Under the law, drivers are allowed to touch their phones to activate hands-free mode, but any additional handling of a phone while driving is considered a violation and can result in fines. The financial impact of violating the hands-free law extends beyond these fines, as insurance companies may increase rates or disqualify safe driver discounts following a distracted driving violation. The specific effects on insurance rates can vary depending on the insurance provider and an individual's driving history. Maine's hands-free law is part of a broader effort by lawmakers and insurance carriers to incentivize safe and distraction-free driving, with the ultimate goal of improving road safety and reducing accidents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Penalty for violating the law | $50 fine for the first offense and not less than $250 for additional violations within a three-year period |
| Average increase in car insurance rates in Maine following a distracted driving violation | Nearly $300 a year |
| Safe driver discount disqualification | Yes |
| Drivers under 18 allowed to use mobile devices | No, not even in hands-free mode |
| Use of mobile devices by drivers over 18 | Only in "hands-free" mode |
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What You'll Learn
Fines for violating the law
Maine's hands-free law, which came into effect in 2019, bans drivers from using or holding handheld cell phones and devices while driving. The basic rule to remember is that you may touch your phone to activate hands-free mode, but any additional handling of a phone while driving is a violation. An officer must observe this violation before pulling a driver over.
The fines for violating Maine's hands-free law are as follows: a $50 fine for the first offence and not less than $250 for additional violations within a three-year period. For a first texting ticket, the motorist is looking at a minimum fine of $250. For a second or subsequent texting violation within three years, the driver faces at least $500 in fines and a mandatory license suspension. The license suspension periods are 30 days for the second offence, 60 days for the third, and 90 days for the fourth or subsequent offence within three years.
State Rep. Stanley Zeigler (D-Montville) has filed a bill to increase penalties for violations of the hands-free law. The proposed penalties would increase the fine for a first offence from $50 to $500 and the fine for a second offence from $250 to $1,000. A third offence may result in a revoked driver's license. These tougher penalties are in response to the high number of distracted driving accidents in Maine, with over 3,000 people receiving tickets each year since the ban was introduced.
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Increased insurance rates
Maine's hands-free law, which came into effect on September 19, 2019, prohibits the use of handheld phones and devices for all drivers. This law is designed to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving, with studies showing that distracted driving is responsible for a significant number of crashes in the state.
While the law has been implemented to improve road safety, it can also have implications for insurance rates. If a driver is caught violating the hands-free law, they may face fines and penalties, which can vary depending on the number of offenses. These violations can also lead to increased insurance rates.
The impact on insurance rates can vary depending on the insurance company and the driver's history. On average, car insurance rates in Maine can increase by nearly $300 per year following a distracted driving violation, which is more than double the national average. Additionally, drivers may lose any safe driver discounts they previously had, further increasing their rates.
Insurance companies are incentivizing safe and distraction-free driving by offering rewards and discounts. Some insurance carriers are providing redeemable points and cost-saving discounts to customers who maintain good driving behavior, such as refraining from using handheld devices, sudden stops, and erratic turns. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your insurance provider to understand their policies and any safe driving programs or apps they offer.
While the hands-free law can result in increased insurance rates for those who violate it, it is important to prioritize road safety and adhere to the law to avoid the financial and legal consequences of distracted driving.
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Safe driver discounts
While I could not find explicit information on how Maine's hands-free law affects insurance in relation to safe driver discounts, I did find some general information on safe driver discounts in Maine.
In addition to safe driver discounts, insurance companies in Maine offer various other types of discounts. For example, mature driver discounts are available for drivers aged 55 and older who have completed an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course. This discount is mandated by Maine law and applies to liability, medical payments, and collision coverages. To maintain the discount, drivers must complete a new course every three years. Insurance companies also offer discounts for safety equipment, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and automatic seat belts, as well as for anti-theft devices. Low mileage, carpooling, and policy bundling (such as combining homeowner's and auto policies) are other factors that can lead to reduced insurance rates.
To summarise, safe driver discounts in Maine can provide significant benefits to drivers who maintain good driving records and refrain from risky behaviours. By taking advantage of these discounts and exploring other available discounts, drivers in Maine can save money on their insurance premiums while also improving road safety.
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Distracted driving prevention programs
Maine's hands-free law prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, allowing only the activation of hands-free mode. Violations result in fines, with repeat offenders facing higher penalties and mandatory distracted driving prevention programs. While the law's direct impact on insurance rates is unclear, safe driving can lead to rewards and discounts from insurance providers.
These prevention programs can take various forms, from educational courses to safe driving apps. They emphasize the importance of focusing solely on driving and provide strategies to avoid distractions. This includes safe alternatives to common distractions, such as asking a passenger to be the "designated texter" or using voice commands for navigation and music.
Insurance companies also play a role in distracted driving prevention by incentivizing safe driving behaviors. They offer rewards and discounts to customers who maintain good driving records, free from risky behaviors like using handheld devices. These programs encourage customers to drive safely and can provide cost savings, further motivating drivers to avoid distractions.
Overall, distracted driving prevention programs are an essential tool in addressing the issue of distracted driving. By combining education, safe alternatives, and incentives, these programs help reduce accidents and create a safer environment for everyone on the road.
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Law exemptions
Maine's hands-free law, which went into effect in 2019, prohibits the use of handheld devices and phones while driving. The law defines the use of handheld electronic devices as "reading or manually composing electronic communications," including instant messaging, text messaging, and email.
- The law allows drivers to touch their phones to activate the hands-free option. However, any additional handling of the phone while driving is considered a violation.
- The law does not apply to licensed drivers over the age of 18. However, drivers with a learner's permit and licensed drivers under 18 are prohibited from using handheld electronic devices or mobile telephones while operating a motor vehicle.
- The law only applies to public ways. It is not prohibited to use a handheld device while driving on private property.
- The law specifically targets the use of handheld electronic devices and mobile telephones. It does not include other electronic devices that may be installed in the vehicle, such as a GPS device or built-in navigation system.
- The law enforcement officer must directly observe a violation of the law before pulling over a driver. This means that simply reviewing phone records or other indirect evidence is not sufficient to issue a citation.
It is important to note that while these are exemptions to the hands-free law, drivers are still expected to prioritize safe driving and may be subject to other traffic laws and regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Maine's hands-free law prohibits the use of handheld cell phones and texting while driving.
On average, car insurance rates in Maine increase by nearly $300 a year following a distracted driving violation. This is more than double the national average. Additionally, a safe driver discount will likely be revoked, causing an even more significant rate increase.
The penalty for violating the law is a $50 fine for the first offense and not less than $250 for additional violations within a three-year period.
Many insurance carriers offer incentives for customers who drive safely and avoid distractions. These can include redeemable points and cost-saving discounts.
