Drivers in Michigan won’t be allowed to use cell phones while driving under legislation headed to Governor Whitmer. The three-bill package received bipartisan support in both chambers.
Background:
The legislature passed a ban on texting while driving in 2010. However, despite multiple attempts, they were unable to pass an outright ban on mobile phone usage in prior sessions.
Key points:
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- A driver would be prohibited from taking or making phone calls while driving, watching videos, and using social networking sites, among other things.
- The legislation allows for exceptions due to an emergency.
- Drivers can continue to take and make phone calls using hands-free devices.
- The bill would take effect June 30, 2023
- There is a five-year sunset in the bill, at which time the legislature would need to pass additional legislation to keep the ban in place.
Enforcement:
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- Police could treat a violation as the primary or sole reason to issue a citation.
- The bill would require drivers to pay a fine for violations.
- If violated, a driver would have points added onto their driving record beginning with the second violation.
- A driver with repeated violations would be required to take a driver improvement course.
Next steps:
The bills will be sent to Governor Whitmer for her consideration.
