LANSING, Mich – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that makes Michigan a “hands-free” state.
The law bans motorists from driving while holding cell phones to talk on the phone, text, watch or record videos or look at social media.
The law goes into place Friday at midnight.
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Michigan becomes the 26th state to become “Hands-Free”. You will not be allowed to hold your phone in your hand while operating a motor vehicle. The first offense is a $100 fine. I’m sure you can find something better to do with $100
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 or use 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 16 hours of community service.
- 2nd or subsequent violations
- $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service.
- 3 violations within a 3-year period
- Complete a driving-improvement course.
- Fines doubled
- If a traffic crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a mobile device while operating the vehicle, any civil fines will be doubled.
