Key Massachusetts facts: Phones & Distraction
A driver under 18 can't use a mobile electronic device at all, even hands-free, unless reporting an emergency. Chapter 1, JOL License Restrictions, p. 11; Chapter 2, Drivers Under 18, p. 40 A first offense for hand-held device use while driving brings a $100 fine. Chapter 2, Penalties for Violating the Law, p. 40 A second offense brings a $250 fine and a required distracted driving educational program. Chapter 2, Penalties for Violating the Law, p. 40 A third or later offense brings a $500 fine, an insurance surcharge and a required distracted driving program. Chapter 2, Penalties for Violating the Law, p. 40 Hand-held use is allowed only when the vehicle is stationary and not in a public travel lane, so not at red lights or stop signs. Chapter 2, Drivers 18 and Older, p. 39 Sample Phones & Distraction questions
Your phone is giving you directions. What makes that legal for an adult driver?
It is affixed in the vehicle for navigation Your passenger holds it up for you It is held below window level It is resting on your knee Show the answer
It is affixed in the vehicle for navigation
A GPS device or phone may be used if it is affixed in the vehicle to help with navigation.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 2, Drivers 18 and Older, p. 39
Besides a $250 fine, what does a second hand-held phone offense require?
A vision screening A one-year suspension A new road test A distracted driving educational program Show the answer
A distracted driving educational program
A second offense means $250 plus completing the program.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 2, Penalties for Violating the Law, p. 40
You are 25 and stopped at a red light. May you pick up your phone to read a message?
No, not at a red light Yes, if traffic is light Yes, if you do not reply Yes, while the light is red Show the answer
No, not at a red light
Hand-held use requires being stationary and out of a public travel lane, which excludes red lights and stop signs.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 2, Drivers 18 and Older, p. 39
What is the fine for a first offense of using a hand-held phone while driving?
Show the answer
$100
The penalties start at $100 for a first offense.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 2, Penalties for Violating the Law, p. 40
Where may an adult driver mount a phone used in hands-free mode?
On the passenger seat beside you On the windshield, dashboard or center console On the sun visor above your eyes On the lap, within easy reach Show the answer
On the windshield, dashboard or center console
It must be installed there and must not interfere with driving.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 2, Drivers 18 and Older, p. 39
What does a third offense of using a hand-held phone while driving bring?
A $500 fine, surcharge and required program A $100 fine and a warning letter A $1,000 fine and six months in jail A $250 fine with no other penalty Show the answer
A $500 fine, surcharge and required program
A third or later offense means $500, an insurance surcharge and a distracted driving program.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 2, Penalties for Violating the Law, p. 40
You are 20. What may you wear in your ears for phone calls while driving?
A headset, if the volume is low Wired headphones over both ears One earplug Wireless earbuds in both ears Show the answer
One earplug
Headphones and similar devices are illegal, but drivers 18 or older may use one earplug with a cell phone.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 2, Headphones, p. 39
You are 17 with a Junior Operator License. When may you use a hands-free phone while driving?
Whenever it is mounted When you are stopped at a red light Only to report an emergency On calls under one minute Show the answer
Only to report an emergency
Drivers under 18 may not use any device, even hands-free, unless reporting an emergency.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 1, JOL License Restrictions, p. 11; Chapter 2, Drivers Under 18, p. 40
How long is the suspension for a Junior Operator's first conviction for using a phone while driving?
30 days 60 days One year Three years Show the answer
60 days
The first offense costs 60 days, the next 180 days and any later one a full year.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 3, Mandatory License Suspensions (Junior Operators), pp. 63-64
Where may a television be installed in a vehicle?
On the windshield, if it is small Anywhere, if the sound is off Behind the front seat, out of the driver's view On the dashboard, for use in traffic Show the answer
Behind the front seat, out of the driver's view
A driver must not be distracted by a screen, even by looking sideways.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 2, Televisions, p. 39
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026 (cover letter), English PDF, text read in the built-in browser on 2026-11-08 because mass.gov refuses plain downloads; page numbers in sections are the manual's printed numbers (PDF page = printed page + 8) edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
