Texting while driving ticket in Massachusetts
A texting ticket in Massachusetts costs $105 on the state schedule and adds no points.
Fine$105state schedule
PointsNone
Driver Retraining Program (mandatory, after 3 incidents)No
Add up my ticket All Massachusetts rules
What does the Massachusetts state schedule charge for a texting ticket?
| Ticket | You pay |
|---|---|
| Electronic device, use while operating, first offenseSecond offense $250 and third or later $500, each plus $5. | $105[6][9] |
How many points is it?
- Handheld phone useNo points[9]
Will a texting ticket raise your insurance in Massachusetts?
Probably, once it is on your record. Insurers rate a texting ticket as a moving violation. In Massachusetts one speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium about 25% on average[1], or about $1,629 over three years. A texting ticket usually lands in the same range.
Estimate based on the state's speeding average, not a quote.
How long do you have to respond to a texting ticket in Massachusetts?
You have 20 days to pay or respond to a texting ticket in Massachusetts. These are the dates that matter:
- 20daysPay or respondfrom the ticket date[4][15]
Details
Pay the ticket or request a hearing. If you miss it: You lose the right to a hearing, late and release fees are added, and the RMV sends a default notice.
- 0daysAppeal a magistrate's finding to a judgefrom the court date[17][4]
Details
Appeal a magistrate's finding to a judge. If you miss it: Ask at the end of the magistrate hearing. A $50 fee is due before the judge hears it.
- 10daysLast day to appealfrom the court date[17]
Details
Appeal a judge's finding to the Appellate Division. If you miss it: Only questions of law. Filing fee $180. The court cannot extend the 10 days.
- 20daysPay an assessment set at a hearingfrom the notice date[4]
Details
Pay an assessment set at a hearing. If you miss it: The RMV revokes your license and registration until it is paid.
Can you keep a texting ticket off your Massachusetts record?
Every way to handle a Massachusetts ticket, from paying to contesting →
Texting tickets in other states →
Got a different ticket in Massachusetts?
- Speeding
- School zone
- Work zone
- Red light
- Stop sign
- No insurance
- Seat belt
- School bus
- Failure to yield
- Parking
What else do people ask?
How many points is a texting ticket in Massachusetts?
Handheld phone use: 0 points.
Will a texting ticket raise my insurance in Massachusetts?
Probably, if it goes on your record. Insurers rate it as a moving violation. In Massachusetts a speeding ticket raised full-coverage premiums about 25% on average (ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026), and a texting ticket tends to land in the same range.
How long do I have to respond to a texting ticket in Massachusetts?
20 days from the date on the ticket. For a civil ticket, missing the 20-day deadline or a hearing puts you in default.
Sources
Massachusetts law and DMV sources (7)
- M.G.L. c.175 §113B (Safe Driver Insurance Plan, 3 surchargeable incidents and 7 violations rules), Massachusetts Legislature.
- M.G.L. c.90C §3 (civil motor vehicle infractions: pay or contest within 20 days), Massachusetts Legislature.
- Table of Citable Motor Vehicle Offenses and CMVI Assessments (revised 1/14/2022), Massachusetts District Court and Registry of Motor Vehicles.
- M.G.L. c.90 §13B (hands-free law), Massachusetts Legislature.
- RMV: Suspensions from multiple offenses, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
- RMV: Pay your traffic ticket, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
- Who can appeal a traffic ticket decision?, Boston Municipal Court and District Court Departments.
Insurance sources (4)
- State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).