Importantly, this law leaves out any mention of hands-free, voice-operated, or mounted devices within the vehicle. Michigan’s current anti-texting law only speaks to handheld devices in a person’s hand or lap. Whether hands-free technology is permissible while driving remains unclear in Michigan. Can I Use Hands-Free Technology to Text or Make Calls While Driving? This law, titled “Kelsey’s Law,” prohibits teens from using a cell phone while driving, which includes making or answering calls.

However, a strict law is in place for teens with a level one or two graduated license. While there is a law prohibiting all drivers from texting on a hand-held phone while driving, there is no existing law that prevents licensed drivers from talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving. The law specifically states that drivers may “not read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless 2-way communication device that is located in the person’s hand or in the person’s lap, including a wireless telephone used in cellular telephone service or personal communication device.” Penalties for violating this law include civil infractions and expensive fines that increase with each offense. MCL 257.602b(1) and (2) prohibits all drivers, regardless of age, from texting while driving. Different laws in Michigan answer the following distracted driving FAQs. While there is no hands-free law in Michigan specifically, several laws regarding the use of technology while driving and distracted driving exist. Is it Illegal to Use a Cellphone While Driving in Michigan? However, the advent and availability of hands-free technology have caused many to wonder what kind of cell phone use, if any, is permissible while driving in Michigan. With these statistics in mind, it’s easy for anyone to see why prohibiting the use of a hand-held phone while driving would be beneficial. The same study found that dialing a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle caused the driver to become 12 times more likely to crash. Cell Phone Use and Driving Dangers StatisticsĪccording to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, text messaging increases the risk of a crash or near-crash by 23.2 times.

This article outlines some basic things you need to know about state laws and local ordinances dealing with cell phone use while driving, as well as how distracted driving may affect the outcome of an auto liability case should you ever be involved in an accident. However, because distracted driving accidents are on the rise, local communities are beginning to take matters into their own hands by enacting local ordinances requiring hands-free cell phone use. What may not immediately pop into your mind, however, is a growing cause for stops: cell phone use behind the wheel.Īs of right now, there is no statewide hands-free law in Michigan. This is especially true if you weren’t speeding, you’re wearing your seatbelt, and following posted traffic signs – some of the most common causes of traffic stops.

As soon as you see those red and blue lights in your rearview mirror signaling you need to pull over, you start analyzing what you may have done wrong to cause the stop.

Hands free texting in car