Administrators are banning the use of cellphones in classes to curb distractions and increase engagement.
cell phones
Posted inMaine, Politics
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.
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Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
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.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
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.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
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.
Posted inMaine
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.
Posted inBusiness
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.
Posted inMaine, News
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.
Posted inMaine, News
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.
Posted inBethel, Franklin, Lewiston-Auburn, Oxford Hills, River Valley, sj-web
Just a Minute: Alert system passes test; citizens fail to be impressed
At 2:18 p.m. Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission conducted a test of the nationwide Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System. Text messages were sent to cellphones while radio and television stations broadcast warnings. The messages read: “Presidential Alert. This is a test of the National Wireless Emergency […]