The ‘Zoom Loophole': Why Massachusetts May Soon Ban Livestreaming While Driving

The Massachusetts Legislature could enact stricter regulations on cell phone use while driving.

Legislation (S 2349) is pending in the Joint Committee on Transportation, of which New Bedford Representative Chris Hendricks is a member, that would ban live broadcasting and video recording while driving.

Since Massachusetts enacted hands-free driving regulations in 2019, technology in our cell phones and other electronic gizmos and gadgets has advanced dramatically. Hand-held talking and texting, while still problematic, are only part of the distraction cell phones present to drivers.

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Legislative Push to Ban Live Video and Recording Behind the Wheel

State House News Service reported Senator Jo Comerford told lawmakers during a recent Beacon Hill hearing that the safe driving law has a "loophole."

"The current hands-free driving law bans holding or viewing a mobile device, but it doesn't explicitly prohibit recording of video while the device is mounted or hands-free," Comerford told the committee.

Modern Technology Exposes Hands-Free Law Loopholes

Modern smartphones can do much more than make phone calls or send texts. A growing number of users attend Zoom meetings while driving or carry on FaceTime chats in real time, all while complying with the hands-free law.

Massachusetts Bill Would Further Restrict Cell Phone Use While Driving

Videos regularly posted to social media show people addressing their cell phone cameras while driving.

Comerford's legislation was shipped to a study committee in March 2026, but she doesn't want it to die there. She believes the bill should be heard and ultimately put to a vote.

State Police Launch Multi-State Enforcement Effort

Meanwhile, Massachusetts State Police announced an effort to crack down on distracted and aggressive driving.

MSP has launched Operation Wicked Safe, a "multi-state law enforcement initiative that will address dangerous driving on major roadways across the region." The effort involves state police departments from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. The operation targets aggressive and distracted driving.

A 2025 national study by AAA found that 96 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving behavior over the past year.

Distracted driving is responsible for increasing numbers of traffic crashes and fatalities.