Distracted Driving Do’s and Don’ts

On June 30, 2023, a new law took effect restricting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving on Michigan roadways. As a result, you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. 

• Use a cell phone to call or text 911 to report an emergency or seek help.
• Use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the vehicle as long as you do not manually use the system. Anything more than a single touch is against the law.

Hands-Free Law Guide

Click here to learn what you can and cannot do behind the wheel.

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. 

Resources:

Can I use my device while I am stopped at a light or in traffic? You cannot hold or manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device at any time while operating a vehicle. Operation includes being stopped at a light or in traffic but does not include being legally parked. 

My phone is mounted on my dashboard, so I’m hands-free. Can I send a text? You cannot use your hands to operate a cell phone or other device beyond a single touch, even if it is mounted. Use voice-activated commands instead. 

Can I use Bluetooth or my vehicle’s built-in system? You can use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the vehicle as long as you do not manually use the system. Anything more than a single touch is against the law. 

What if I see a crash or have an emergency? You can use a cell phone to call or text 911 to report an emergency or seek help. 

When does this law take effect? Beginning June 30, 2023, police began issuing citations for violating this law. 

In addition to the new restrictions on cell phones, other types of distracted driving include: 

• Talking on the phone, even hands-free 
• Eating, drinking, or smoking 
• Grooming 
• Looking after children or pets 
• Chatting with passengers 
• Searching or reaching for an item 
• Looking at crashes or roadside sights 
• Checking a navigation system 
• Reading anything, including maps 
• Adjusting climate or music controls 
• Listening to loud music 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. 

Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. 

You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing. 

NHTSA Tips:

• If you must send or receive a text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first.
• If you have passengers, appoint a “designated texter” to handle all your texting.
• If you can’t resist the temptation to look at your phone, keep it in the trunk.