(WWJ) – By the end of June it will be illegal to use a cell phone – or even hold it in your hand – while driving in Michigan.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday signed three bills into law aimed at reducing distracted driving and saving lives by making it a violation of motor vehicle law to drive with a cell phone in-hand.
Michigan becomes the 26th state to pass so-called “hands-free” laws. It is expected to go into effect on June 30, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday.
While texting and driving is already illegal in the state, the new legislation makes it illegal to “use a mobile electronic device to do any task, including, but not limited to” the following:
• Make or receive a phone call
• Send, receive or read a text message
• View, record or transmit a video
• Access, read or post to a social media site
Under the new law, those caught using or holding a cell phone or other electronic device while driving a regular vehicle will face the following fines:
• First violation: $100 fine or 16 hours of community service, or both
• Second or subsequent violation: $250 fine or 24 hours of community service, or both
• If three violations occur in a three-year period: The driver would be ordered to complete a driver improvement course
All penalties are doubled for those caught violating while driving a commercial vehicle.
Officials say the legislation was passed to update Michigan’s distracted driving laws, which have become outdated as technology evolved in recent years, with many cars now offering hands-free technology.
Whitmer says the legislation signed Wednesday won’t affect her directly, but it surely will for others across the state.
“Well, I am a passenger. I haven’t driven in five years. But as I travel our roads, I’m always looking at what’s going on in other vehicles. It probably sounds strange, but as I’m looking across our state, I can’t help but see drivers who’ve got phones in their hands. Whether they’re getting directions or they’re communicating with someone – I’ve even seen people watching videos – it’s really dangerous, and that’s why this law’s really important.”
Related
