Higher fines for violating hands-free driving law attract fans, key detractors

Though a state police lieutenant says more needs to be known about the existing law's effectiveness, supporters of increasing the fine to $500 say the current $50 penalty for handling a cellphone while driving fails as a deterrent.

Maine considers steeper fines to deter distracted driving

Since Maine's hands-free driving law took effect in 2019, more than 3,000 drivers have received tickets each year. A legislative bill would increase penalties from $85 to $500 for a first offense and from $325 to $1,000 for a second offense.

3G network shutting down in Maine, affecting older phones, devices

Some older cellphones will not be able to make or receive calls or texts after the switch and other devices like medical alert devices, smart watches, vehicle SOS services, home security systems and tablets could stop working.

Maine’s days as 207 are numbered, because the area code’s ‘exhausted’

The state is running out of usable phone numbers to assign to its beloved area code, forcing regulators to consider adding a second one.

Biddeford ‘sting’ reveals drivers largely undeterred by new handheld cellphone law

On several details, police could not keep up with the violations they observed, they say.

New 10-cent surcharge on Maine phone lines will fund broadband expansion

The surcharge approved by the Legislature will be used to support broadband expansion projects in the state starting in 2020.

Judge lowers first-time fine for drivers caught holding their phones, but it could go back up

The first offense for holding a cellphone while driving was reduced to $85, including fees, down from $230, bringing the cost in line with what lawmakers intended.

Hands-free driving law goes live – with one expensive mixup

The fine and fees set by a judge Wednesday are nearly triple the amount the bill's sponsor intended for first-time offenders. The difference is in the language of the law.

Just a Minute: Alert system passes test; citizens fail to be impressed

Smartphones and kids … a good mix?