Massachusetts State Police Net Dozens of Holiday OUI Arrests and Hundreds of Citations

Like the public service announcement says, "Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving," and the Massachusetts State Police want to make sure that you understand that. To prove the point, MSP hit the highways and byways of the Commonwealth in force over the recent Independence Day weekend, rounding up dozens of alleged OUI offenders.

Breakdown of Holiday OUI Arrests

The State Police website reported 35 suspected first-offense OUI arrests were made on July 3, July 4 and July 5. MSP busted four suspected second-offense OUI drivers and three third-offense OUI suspects.

It wasn't only the soused among us, however, that the Massachusetts State Police reeled in over the long holiday weekend.

Massachusetts State Police Busted Dozens For OUI Over July 4 Weekend

Hundreds Cited for Speeding and Distracted Driving

Other notable citations issued by MSP include 656 for speeding (exceeding the posted speed limit and operating an unregistered motor vehicle); 187 citations were issued for that offense.

Another 121 citations were issued to drivers who were using an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. That's a Bozo no-no.

The Massachusetts "Hands Free Law," enacted in February 2020, "prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any electronic device, including mobile telephones, unless the device is used in a hands-free mode."

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The High Cost of Massachusetts Hands-Free Violations

A first offense can cost you $100. A second offense is a $250 fine plus a mandatory distracted-driving classroom experience. A third offense costs $500, a repeat of the distracted-driving education program, and an insurance surcharge.

State Police cited 91 people for failing to wear a seatbelt, which is a secondary offense in Massachusetts, meaning something else caught the trooper's eye.

Another 48 drivers were tagged for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.