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Hands-free cell phone law and other new laws take effect Thursday Sept. 19

Tempted to send a quick text while stopped for construction? A new Maine law taking effect on Thursday prohibits drivers from holding a cell phone to talk while driving, to text when stopped at a red light or for construction, and more. The law also details drivers’ hands-free options and restrictions for drivers under 18, among other provisions.

Read the basics of what you can and can’t do in this Q&A with Lt. Bruce Scott of the Maine State Police and Nick Schroeder of the Bangor Daily News.

Learn more about penalties under the new law, making calls in emergencies, rules for drivers under 18, and more in this Q&A in the Press Herald.

Hundreds of other new laws will take effect on Thursday. For an overview, read this recap in the Press Herald.