Massachusetts House OK's driving safety bill

A similar requirement passed the House two years ago, only to die in the Senate because of opposition from lawmakers who argue that the hands-free devices were an inconvenience that did not improve road safety. But David Falcone, a spokesman for Senate President Therese Murray, said she supports requiring hands-free devices and looks forward to reviewing the House bill.

The provision approved in the House yesterday, by a vote of 146 to 9, was part of a package of hotly debated driver safety proposals that have gained momentum in recent days.

The bill also bans drivers from sending text messages from behind the wheel and adds new requirements that drivers over age 75 who renew their licenses do so in person every five years, when they would be required to take a vision test.

Drivers under 18 would be banned entirely from using cellphones while operating a vehicle.