Few citations issued in Tiverton during first hands-free weekend

Tiverton police and state troopers set out on June 1 to enforce the state’s new distracted driving law.

TIVERTON – People disconnected while driving – for a weekend, at least.

Tiverton police and state troopers set out on June 1 to enforce the state’s new distracted driving law.

That law bans the use of handheld telephones or other electronic devices while driving.

Across the state, troopers stopped 12 people when those drivers were spotted with phones in their hands while driving. Of those, eight were given warnings and four were given tickets, according to Laura Meade Kirk, spokesperson for the State Police.

Tiverton issued fewer warnings or tickets, Police Chief Patrick Jones said.

For the first weekend, Jones said, the officers on traffic enforcement details concentrated on educating drivers about the new law.

The new law requires driving on the road in Rhode Island to keep their hands free for driving.

Drivers are also not allowed to wear headphones that cover both ears.

If a driver is seen texting, holding a phone or using their hands to enter information into a mapping device, they can be stopped and cited.

A first offense carries a $100 fine. That fine will be waived if the person ticketed arrives in court with proof that they purchased a hand-free device such as a Bluetooth or a headphone.

The fine is $150 for a second offense and $250 for third and subsequent offenses, according to the law.

Email Kevin P. O’Connor at koconnor@heraldnews.com.