H 4490 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to the safe operation of motor vehicles

This bill prohibits drivers from recording themselves, using augmented reality devices, or viewing unrelated video and text on screens while operating a motor vehicle. The law specifically bans operators from wearing or holding spatial computers and mixed reality equipment, and it restricts looking at non-essential displays such as entertainment feeds or social media. However, the restrictions do not apply to symbols or text needed for hands-free modes, audio systems, vehicle controls, dispatch systems, or viewing passengers. Additionally, the bill removes the phrase "using a mobile electronic device" from existing distracted driving rules to broaden the scope of prohibited activities.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2024
Committee Review
Jul 2024
House Passage
Jul 2024
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 21, 2024 Last action Jul 8, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Jul 8, 2024
Committee
Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Rules
upper
Jul 3, 2024
Lower · Passed
Read third and passed to be engrossed
lower
Apr 18, 2024
Lower · Passed
Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
lower
Mar 21, 2024
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
lower
Mar 21, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on Transportation
lower
0 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.