Roadtripping through Maine is one of the best things you can do with some spare time. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, going straight for the beach or have no real plans in mind, there’s nothing that can’t be fixed with a little time on the open road. If you’re a regular reader you’ll know how much we love a good road trip. We’ve even included a few of our favorites at the end of this article!
While we encourage everyone to explore everything the state has to offer, we thought you’d all want to know about the new law that goes into effect in September 2019. In short, handheld phones are now banned. Here’s everything you need to know.
The roads in Maine are some of the most beautiful in New England.
breatheindigital / Flickr
But despite how lovely a drive through Maine can be, people still keep their heads buried in their phones while they drive.
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A new Maine law aims to bring a stop to that. Janet Mills recently signed “An Act to Prohibit the Use of Handheld Devices and Phones While Driving (LD 165)” which means that any use of unnecessary electronics while driving will be against the law.
ryanh / Flickr
What does that mean for drivers here in Vacationland?
Jim Legans, Jr / Flickr
Beginning in September, drivers here will no longer be allowed to use their hands to operate any technology while they’re driving. That includes cell phones, GPS and anything else that might distract from the road.
squeakymarmot / Flickr
Most importantly, this law also makes it illegal to text or use your phone while stopped at a light or a stop sign. So, even if your car is not moving you’re going to want to keep that cell phone away from your hands.
mariela / Flickr
If you need to change the driving directions using maps or text someone that you’ll be late, the law expects you to pull over and do so with your vehicle off.
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While holding your phone will soon be illegal, you can still have conversations using a headset or speaker. As long as your attention remains on the road and you’re over the age of 18, chat away!
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A few other things you can do? To avoid texting, you can ask your phone to read you your text messages. If you’re using your phone to play music, you can use your finger to swipe to another song. In an emergency, you can use your phone to contact emergency or law enforcement
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And, of course you can also have someone in the back seat helping you out!
juhansonin / Flickr You’ll also want to remember that even texting or using your phone in a private parking lot (say, the bank or a grocery store) will now be illegal. While there are no rules for your or how you must mount your phone if you plan on using it in a hands-free way, you’ll want to be sure it doesn’t interfere with how you actually operate the vehicle.
And, of course, the question you’re all asking: what’s the fine? Those in violation of the new law will be subject to no less than a $50 fine for a offense and not less than $250 for a second or subsequent offense in a three-year period.
breatheindigital / Flickr
aresauburnphotos / Flickr
ryanh / Flickr
Jim Legans, Jr / Flickr
squeakymarmot / Flickr
mariela / Flickr
gauthierdelecroix / Flickr
dougtone / Flickr
marknenadov / Flickr
juhansonin / Flickr
You’ll also want to remember that even texting or using your phone in a private parking lot (say, the bank or a grocery store) will now be illegal. While there are no rules for your or how you must mount your phone if you plan on using it in a hands-free way, you’ll want to be sure it doesn’t interfere with how you actually operate the vehicle.
Now, onto the road trips! Check these out the next time the open road calls:
- A fun waterfall road trip
- Our sweet chocolate shop road trip
- A road trip to Maine’s lighthouses
- The natural wonders road trip
- A bargain hunter’s thrift store road trip
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