The Sanford Police Department recently posted on social media important information regarding Maine’s hands-free law. Under Maine law, a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a public way while using, manipulating, talking into, or otherwise interacting with a handheld electronic device or mobile telephone. That includes when the vehicle is temporarily stopped in traffic, at a traffic light, or at a stop sign. Drivers who are at least 18 years old and are not operating with a learner’s permit or intermediate license may use a device in hands-free mode. If the device is mounted where it does not interfere with the driver’s view, the law allows one swipe, tap, or push to activate or deactivate a feature.
The law provides limited exceptions, including certain emergency communications, qualifying commercial or school-bus use, and using a device after pulling to the side of — or off — the public way and stopping where the vehicle can safely remain. A violation is a traffic infraction for which a fine of $50 may be imposed for a first offense and $250 for a second or subsequent offense.
SPD checked MaineDOT crash data and found that 2,750 statewide crashes occurred due to “distracted” behavior in 2025 — the latest completed calendar year — with 294 of those records citing “handheld mobile phone” as the source of driver distraction. However, that number may not reflect the full extent of the problem, according to SPD. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cautions that crashes due to distracted driving are likely underreported. Drivers may not admit to using a phone immediately before a crash, and investigating officers may not have witness accounts or other evidence needed to establish that the driver was distracted.
The SPD social media post points out a simple, practical takeaway: If you need to hold or work with your device, don’t do it while in traffic. Pull over where the vehicle can safely remain stopped.
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