No, applying makeup while driving is prohibited in Massachusetts under distracted driving laws, as it impairs vehicle control. The state treats it as a form of inattention, subject to fines under MGL c. 90, § 13B. Local courts may impose additional penalties if the act contributes to an accident.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Massachusetts
- Distracted Driving Statute (MGL c. 90, § 13B): Prohibits any activity that diverts attention from safe operation, including grooming. Violations carry fines up to $100 for a first offense.
- Local Enforcement Discretion: Municipalities like Boston and Cambridge may issue secondary citations under municipal ordinances if makeup application is deemed reckless.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) plans to expand distracted driving education campaigns, targeting cosmetic-related distractions as part of its Vision Zero initiative.
Operational ambiguity exists when makeup application is brief or stationary, but legal precedent favors strict interpretation. Law enforcement may cite drivers even if no collision occurs, as the act itself constitutes a traffic violation.