Michigan’s new “Hands-Free” distracted driving law goes into effect on Friday, June 30, making Michigan the 26th state to enact such legislation. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in Michigan.
Beginning Friday, it will be illegal to hold a mobile electronic device to do any task, but not limited to:
— sending or receiving a telephone call
— sending, receiving or reading a text message
-— viewing, recording or transmitting a video
— accessing, reading or posting to a social networking site
— using it for GPS directions / navigation
Holding an electronic device is defined as physically supporting it with “any part of the hands, arms or shoulder.”
The only exemptions to the law are if someone is contacting 911 or emergency services and for first responders / public safety in performance of official duties.
A violation of the new law would result in the following civil infraction penalties:
— 1st Offense – $100 fine and / or 16 hours community service
— 2nd Offense or more – $250 fine and / or 24 hours of community service
— If a crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or using an electronic device, fines would be doubled.
For commercial vehicles and school buses, the following civil infraction penalties would occur:
— CMV 1st Offense – $200 fine and / or 32 hours of community service
— CMV 2nd Offense – $500 fine and / or 48 hours of community service
