Michiganders are about to be subject to a new law that all but completely bans touching one’s cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. The language of the bill intentionally casts a large net over “any task” using a mobile electronic device. Despite this law and other newly proposed laws, other dangerous driving habits continue to go unchecked.
Michigan passed a law banning texting and driving back in 2010 but that was where its power stopped. This new law completely bans making or receiving a call, sending, receiving, or reading a text, viewing, recording, or transmitting a video, and accessing, reading, or posting to social media. In fact, just holding a phone while driving is now a primary offense in Michigan as of June 30.
Police can pull a person over if they see such behavior. First-time violators can receive a $100 fine or 16 hours of community service, or both. Second or subsequent violations can result in a $250 fine, 24 hours of community service, or both. Should someone receive three violations within a period of three years, the court will require that driver to complete a driver-improvement course.
Read: You May Not Be Pulled Over For Texting And Driving In Missouri – But That Could Soon Change
Penalties are harsher for those behind the wheel of commercial vehicles and school buses. The very first violation could result in a $200 fine, 32 hours of community service, or both. A second or subsequent violation means a $500 fine, 48 hours of community service, or both. There are, however, exceptions to the law.
First responders, law enforcement, and other emergency workers can use a phone all they want while performing official duties. In fact, anyone can use a phone so long as they’re calling or texting 911 to report an emergency or to seek assistance. Interestingly enough, drivers can still use the connected services their phone may provide so long as it’s in a hands-free fashion. The law allows drivers to use their car’s built-in infotainment system including features like calling, voice texting, navigation, and more.
This isn’t the only thing Michiganders need to be aware of on the roads either. A new bill that’s passed the House would allow authorities to install speed cameras in construction zones. The bill still needs to pass the Senate and get signed by the governor before it’s passed. Nevertheless, it’s clear to see that drivers need to pay closer attention to what they do behind the wheel of a car in Michigan.
The cell phone ban law even bans drivers from touching their phones when stationary at a stop sign or stop light. What happens if you park your vehicle while stopped? Surely, that’s got to break some sort of law but at that point are you allowed to touch your cell phone? Provided you’ll still have to put down that cheeseburger, your razor, and your moisturizer before you pick up the phone. Those are all perfectly legal of course.