Monthly Topics
February 2020: New Hands-Free Law
Important things to know:
Effective February 23, 2020: Massachusetts law prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any electronic device.
Until March 31, violators will receive verbal warnings. After March 31, penalties will be issued.
Fines and Penalties:
Drivers who are 18 years of age and older:
Drivers who are under the age of 18:
Until March 31, violators will receive verbal warnings. After March 31, penalties will be issued.
Fines and Penalties:
- First offense- $100 fine
- Second offense- $250 fine and a mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational course.
- Third and subsequent offenses- $500 fine, surcharge on insurance and a mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational course.
Drivers who are 18 years of age and older:
- Can only use electronic devices/mobile phones in hands-free mode.
- NOT ALLOWED to touch electronic devices/mobile phones EXCEPT to ACTIVATE the hands-free mode and can only do so if the device is installed or properly mounted on windshield, dashboard or center console in a manner that does not impede the operation of the motor vehicle.
- NOT ALLOWED to touch devices for texting, emailing, apps, games, video or internet use (EVEN AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT)
- ACTIVATION of GPS navigation is only permitted when the device is installed or properly mounted.
Drivers who are under the age of 18:
- NOT ALLOWED to use any electronic devices or mobile phones. Any type of use while driving is illegal including use in hands-free mode.
December 2019: Vacant Properties
What is a vacant property?
Occupancy matters greatly when it comes to homeowner insurance. A standard Massachusetts home insurance policy does not cover a home during long periods of vacancy, even if you continue to pay your premium. We’re not talking about a two-week vacation, of course, but any lengthy, uninterrupted vacancy -- usually defined as 60 days or more -- means your house must be re-insured under a vacant home policy.
Why? Vacant homes face a greater risk of loss than occupied homes. A broken pipe or faulty hot water heater could go undetected for days, causing major damage. A vacant home is more vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Simply locking the door and asking someone to check in once in a while could be a costly mistake if your house is damaged or sustains some other type of loss while it is vacant.
Before you leave a house vacant, always talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have the right coverage in place.
Why? Vacant homes face a greater risk of loss than occupied homes. A broken pipe or faulty hot water heater could go undetected for days, causing major damage. A vacant home is more vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Simply locking the door and asking someone to check in once in a while could be a costly mistake if your house is damaged or sustains some other type of loss while it is vacant.
Before you leave a house vacant, always talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have the right coverage in place.
