Michigan’s Cell Phone-Use & Texting-While-Driving Laws

Read about Michigan’s distracted driving laws and the costs of a violation.

Michigan's distracted driving laws prohibit text messaging and place restrictions on cell phone use and electronic device use for all drivers. This article discusses the specifics of what the laws prohibit and the costs of a texting or cell phone ticket.

Michigan's Distracted Driving (Texting, Phones, and Electronic Devices) Laws

Michigan's distracted driving law generally prohibits holding or using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. However, this prohibition doesn't apply to using a device or making a call with voice-operated or hands-free technology.

Michigan has Special Cell Phone Rules for Notice Drivers

For motorists who are using a level I or II graduated license (typically, drivers under age 17) talking on a cell phone while driving is prohibited altogether. In other words, there's no exception for hands-free use.

Exceptions to Michigan's Distracted Driving Rules

The distracted driving law contains exceptions for:

  • law enforcement and emergency services personnel performing their duties
  • reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency, crime, dangerous driver, or serious road hazard
  • cameras that continuously record or broadcast inside or outside of the vehicle, and
  • using a GPS or navigation system that's affixed to the vehicle.

However, apart from the GPS exception, it's hard to imagine that any of these situations come up very often.

Penalties for Distracted Driving Tickets in Michigan

The penalties for a distracted driving violation depend on the type of license the driver has and the driver's history.

Standard Penalties for Distracted Driving in Michigan

Generally, a distracted driving ticket is a civil infraction and carries:

  • $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service for a first offense, and
  • $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service for a second or subsequent offense.

The fines are doubled if the violation resulted in a collision.

A first distracted driving violation won't lead to traffic violation demerit points. However, a second violation results in one point, and a third or subsequent violation results in two points.

For a third or subsequent offense with a three-year period, the driver will need to complete a driving safety course.

Penalties for Distracted Driving Violations in Commercial Vehicles of School Buses in Michigan

For commercial and school bus drivers:

  • $200 fine and/or 32 hours of community service for a first offense, and
  • $500 fine and/or 48 hours of community service for a second or subsequent offense.

As with normal distracted driving tickets, a second or subsequent commercial or school bus violation will result in points, and a third violation within three years comes with a safety class requirement.

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