If you live in Massachusetts or Connecticut, you may have come across some strange laws in these states. While many are practical, some might make you ask, “Wait… is that actually a law?” Most of these unusual rules are outdated and rarely enforced, so they can easily be overlooked.
Drivers stopped at a red light risk fines for several violations, including running the light before it turns green, blocking a crosswalk, or failing to yield to pedestrians. Yet one violation often catches drivers off guard because it isn’t widely known to be illegal.
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Many people are aware when new laws take effect, but they often overlook important details. This oversight can lead to unintentional violations in everyday situations, such as waiting at a red light.
In Massachusetts, drivers may be fined for certain violations at red lights.
Massachusetts’s hands-free driving law took effect in February 2020, explicitly prohibiting drivers from holding their phones while driving, including when stopped at red lights. Consequently, holding a phone while in a vehicle is legally considered “operating a vehicle,” whether the car is moving or stationary.
I used to think it was fine to hold my phone to my ear while making calls, as long as I was completely stopped. When the law banning this practice was introduced, I needed some time to adjust. I preferred talking with the phone close to my ear because other positions felt uncomfortable…