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

People celebrating

Hosting Holiday Parties Responsibly: Tips for Personal & Business Gatherings

While it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, taking some simple precautions can prevent mishaps and protect you from unexpected situations. Here are some practical tips for hosting a safe and successful holiday party, with a focus on being prepared.
Read more
Holiday Decorations

10 Tips for Disaster-Free Holidays

From mishaps in the kitchen to accidents involving decorations, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your holidays stay merry and bright. Here are ten tips to help you enjoy a safe and disaster-free holiday season.
Read more
Map & Passport

Travel Smart: Holiday Safety Tips for Your Seasonal Adventures

Between the packed highways, bustling airports, and unpredictable weather, holiday travel comes with its fair share of challenges; here are some fun and practical tips for staying safe while traveling this holiday season.
Read more
Snowy Neighborhood

Protect Your Property This Winter: Tips to Prevent Costly Damage

From frozen pipes to roof collapses, the risks of winter property damage are real for both residential and commercial property owners. The good news? Many of these issues can be avoided with proactive steps that save you money and help keep your insurance premiums manageable.
Read more
Family decorating tree

Decorate Safely During the Holidays

While holiday decorations can be fun and beautiful, they can also present fire hazards. To keep your home and family safe throughout this holiday season, consider the following decorating tips.
Read more
Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share a delicious meal, and reflect on all we’re grateful for.  To help you celebrate safely and ensure that your holiday is filled with joy, not unexpected mishaps. here are some tips to keep in mind.
Read more
Car tire

Vehicle Breakdown Safety Basics

No one ever plans to experience a vehicle breakdown. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared in order to handle such a situation safely. Implement the following guidance to ensure you remain safe and injury-free in the event that you get stuck on the road.
Read more
Calculator

How Insurers Calculate Premiums

Depending on the type of policy, an insurance premium must be paid monthly, twice a year or annually. Each policy type will have also have a different premium amount based on the coverage and policyholder. It’s essential to understand how premiums are calculated so you can secure the best deal without sacrificing coverage.
Read more
Drowsy

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Every year, the National Sleep Foundation organizes Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while fatigued.
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.