Maine’s new hands-free law, which was previewed in an August 27, 2019 post on this website, went into effect on Thursday, September 19, 2019. The important updates is this: while the language of the bill states that the fine for a first offense should be not less than $50.00, the fine has actually been set at $230.00 for the first offense and at least $325.00 for any subsequent offense over a three-year period. The sponsor of the bill, State Senator Bill Diamond, has indicated that he was surprised by the amount of the fines, and he has attempted to have the amount lowered. Stay tuned.
