Did you know, it is now illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads? Operation includes being stopped at a light or in traffic but does not include being legally parked. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders.
Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on your dashboard or connected to your vehicle’s built-in system, you cannot use your hands to operate it beyond a single touch.
As a result, you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving:
- Make or answer a telephone or video call
- Send or read a text or email message
- Watch, record, or send a video
- Access, read, or post to social media
- Browse the internet
- Enter information into GPS or a navigation system
The law makes holding or manually using a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle a primary offense—which means an officer can stop and ticket drivers for this violation.
Penalties
- 1st violation: $100 fine and/or 16hrs of community service.
- 2nd violation: $250 find and/or 24hrs of community service.
- 3 violations within a 3-yr period: Complete a driving improvement course.
- Fines double if a traffic crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a mobile device while operating the vehicle.
Learn More: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/ohsp/distracted-driving
Media inquiries can be directed to Director Derrick Jackson – [email protected] or 734-891-2243.