Gov. Baker Signs Distracted Driving Bill

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts has joined every other New England state by barring drivers from using hand-held cellphones behind the wheel.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker signed the bill into law on Monday. It takes effect 90 days after it’s signed.

The state Senate and the state House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the measure earlier this month.

The bill calls for a $100 fine for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for subsequent offenses.

Drivers will still be allowed to use hands-free cellphones. Massachusetts already bans texting while driving.

The bill also requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to collect data from traffic stops, including the driver’s age, race and gender without identifying the driver to help identify police agencies that may be engaging in racial profiling.