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Is texting and driving a moving violation in Massachusetts?

I was driving around with some friends the other day, and they freaked out when I grabbed my phone to shoot a text to another friend. They said I could get a ticket and points on my license—is that right?

avatar
Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yes. Your friends may have been freaking out because texting and driving is considered a moving violation in
Massachusetts
. This dangerous driving behavior was made a primary offense in 2010, meaning law enforcement can pull you over if they see you texting while driving. Here’s a breakdown of penalties for violating the Old Bay State’s texting and driving laws:
Offense
Fine
Points on license
1st offense
$100
None
2nd offense
$250
2 points
3rd offense
$500
2 points
And this is just the starting point for penalties associated with texting and driving—if you injure or kill someone while committing this act, you could face criminal charges, 4 points on your license, and even jail time. Plus, a ticket for texting and driving can wreak havoc on your
car insurance
costs.
However, if you find yourself with points on your Massachusetts driver’s license, you still have options for reducing your monthly insurance premium without sacrificing coverage—just shop for coverage with
Jerry
.
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