Have You Heard? NH New Hands-Free Electronic Device Law in Effect July 1, 2015

July 1, 2015||inPersonal Insurance|auto insurance, cell phone, hands free, personal insurance


Wayne Texeira, Marketing Director, CFMP, AINS, AIS, API

New Hampshire is the latest state to establish a law that prohibits the use of hand-held electronic devices, effective July 1, 2015.

What Does This Mean?

  • You may not use hand-held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data communication while driving or temporarily halted in traffic for a stop sign, traffic signal, or other momentary delays.
  • This includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPads, or other devices that require data entry.
Have you heard? NH new Hands-Free Electronic Device Law in effect July 1
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711
  • Emergency calls to 911 or other public safety agencies will be allowed
  • Bluetooth or other hands-free electronic devices will be allowed
  • One-hand non-cellular 2-way radio use will be allowed
  • Teen drivers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use any electronic devices (hand-held or not) except to report an emergency. Anyone violating this will be subject to penalties and license suspension or revocation.
  • If your vehicle lacks Bluetooth functionality, auto service centers can install after-market systems, or over-the-ear devices can be purchased at retailers such as Staples, Best Buy, or your cell phone carrier.

Source:  www.handsfreenh.com

Penalties for Violations

The penalties are a $100 fine for the first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense, and a $500 fine for a third offense within two years. Additional penalty assessments will be added to the fines.

Cell Phone Laws in Other States

If you’re going to drive in another state, be sure you know the cell phone driving laws that apply. You can find more information about specific state requirements online. One resource is the Governors Highway Safety Association. http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html

  • Fourteen states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, prohibit drivers from using hand-held cell phones.
  • 38 states and Washington D.C. ban all cell phone use by novice drivers
  • 46 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers

In Massachusetts, except for new and public transportation drivers, hand-held cell phones are allowed while driving. However, all drivers are prohibited from texting. Maine is similar to Massachusetts, except that there is no complete ban on cell phone use for public transportation drivers. Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont all have hand-held device bans. Maine and Rhode Island have bans on texting, but using a hand-held cell phone is still allowed.

Source:  www.ghsa.org

Consider Curbing Your Use Even if it’s NOT the Law…Yet.

Even though hands-free devices are still allowed in all states for experienced drivers, there are still risks. Keep in mind that “hands-free” is not “risk-free.” According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 1 in 4 car crashes involve cell phone use.

And, even if a hand-held ban doesn’t yet exist in your state (or where you’re driving), it’s worth considering why these laws exist. It seems to be human nature to take chances and sometimes hold on to an “it won’t happen to me” mentality. It can and does happen to people like you who took a chance every day. Perhaps these stats will change your perception:

  • Dialing a phone number increases the risk of a crash by three times
  • A driver is 23 times more likely to crash while texting
  • Sending or receiving a text distracts a driver for 5 seconds…at 50 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded
  • Drivers in their 20s make up 27% of distracted drivers in fatal crashes.

Source: www.handsfreenh.com

Please be safe on the road…your life and the lives of other drivers depend on your safe driving.

Read Other Blog Posts

Candle on table

Candle Safety Considerations

Candles provide a warm ambiance for an intimate dinner, a sparkling decoration for a birthday cake or a nice scent for your home. Ambiance aside, candles can be a fire hazard if they are left unattended or placed where they can start other objects on fire. If you enjoy candles, be sure to follow these tips to use them safely.
Read more
Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages SMM

Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual: Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages

Murphy Insurance Agency has launched a new Condominium Owner's Manual designed to help you prevent costly home repairs and avoid common insurance claims. Backed by decades of real-world experience, this practical guide provides seasonal tips, safety advice, and a comprehensive maintenance checklist to protect your home—and your wallet—all year round. Download your copy today!
Read more
Deer Sign

Road Safety and Wildlife: What Drivers Need to Know

Every year, countless accidents occur because drivers aren't prepared for unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Whether it's a deer darting across a rural highway or a stray dog wandering into city traffic, these moments can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Staying alert and understanding how to respond in these situations can make a critical difference in preventing harm and keeping roads safer for everyone.
Read more
Quest for the Best 2025

We Did It Again! 5-Time Gold Winners in Quest for the Best

We’re proud to announce we’ve won Gold in MyFM 101.3’s Quest for the Best – Insurance Category for the 5th year in a row! Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support us. If you're a client, we’re grateful for your trust. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d love the chance to earn your business.
Read more
Happy driver

The Benefits of Raising Your Limits

An overwhelming majority of states require individuals to carry insurance in order to operate a vehicle. While meeting these minimum limits may be enough to get you on the road, they may be inadequate if you are involved in a serious accident. For better protection, you may want to consider raising your limits to secure proper protection.
Read more
Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Read more
Personal Article Floater

What Is a Personal Article Floater—and Do You Need One?

Many people assume that their home or renters insurance covers all their personal belongings—but it's not always that simple. While these policies do offer significant protection, there are usually limits, especially when it comes to high-value or one-of-a-kind items. If you own something valuable, rare, or that you often take with you, you may want to consider adding a personal article floater to your coverage.
Read more
Home Fall Prep for Winter

Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

Fall is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance projects before winter sets in. Use our seasonal checklist to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.
Read more
Living room

Renting Out Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Liability and Insurance

Renting out your home—whether short-term or long-term—can provide extra income but also introduces legal and insurance risks. Before listing your property, it's essential to research local laws, use a clear rental agreement, screen tenants carefully, and ensure your insurance policy provides the right coverage. Taking steps like securing valuables, documenting your home’s condition, and staying accessible can help protect your property and minimize potential issues.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected. Visit our auto insurance page to learn more.