Texting while driving has been prohibited since 2011 but police often expressed difficulty in enforcing it. Governor Mills recently passed LD 165 which bans the use of handheld devices for both phone calls and texting while driving. The measure prohibits talking, texting or using a handheld device even at a stoplight or in stopped traffic.
The new law which is outlined below strengthens current Maine State rules and will go into effect September 1.
• Drivers may answer phone calls as long as they use a hands-free option such as a remote headset or Bluetooth. Texting is ONLY permitted if the vehicle is pulled off the public way into a safe location where the driver can remain while texting or using a hands free device to text. Drivers can use speak-to-text without handling phone as long as driver can maintain control of the vehicle.
• If driver is using a GPS and needs to change the destination, driver must pull over, put vehicle in park and then enter data.
• If driver receives a social media notification, driver cannot touch the notification banner unless pulled off the road. Siri can read driver new messages.
• If listening to music or a podcast via phone or device, driver can touch screen to skip to the next track as long as driver is not under 18 or driving with a learner’s permit.
• Drivers can have a phone conversation if the phone is on speaker mode and driver is not holding the phone. Drivers can activate or deactivate a feature of a device that is in hands-free mode and mounted or affixed to the vehicle if it requires only a single swipe, tap or push.
• Drivers can text or make phone calls as long as car is pulled over and in a safe location.
• Drivers can only make calls while driving via Bluetooth (as you don’t need to dial with Bluetooth). To text, drivers MUST pull over.
• If there is an emergency, drivers are permitted to call law enforcement or other emergency services personnel.
• Violators will be subject to a $50 minimum fine for the first offense and a $250 fine for the second offense within three years.