Starting next week, Michigan will implement a fresh regulation concerning driving while distracted. It is crucial for truck drivers to familiarize themselves with the necessary information in order to steer clear of a significant monetary penalty and the obligation to perform community service.

Commencing on June 30, 2023, a recent legislation regarding “hands-free” driving will be implemented in Michigan, complementing the existing state regulations that already prohibit texting while driving.

According to the new hands-free law, drivers will be prohibited from physically interacting with their phones or any other devices using their hands, arms, or shoulders.

Under the new law, holding or using an electronic device while driving for any of the following reasons is illegal:

  • Send or receive a telephone call.
  • Send, receive, or read a text message.
  • View, record, or transmit a video.
  • Access, read, or post to a social networking site. 

Additionally, under the new law, holding or using a phone while operating a vehicle becomes a primary offense. This means that law enforcement officers have the authority to initiate a traffic stop based solely on the observation of distracted driving.

Commercial drivers and bus drivers who violate the new law face the following penalties, which are stiffer than those for passenger vehicle drivers:

  • First violation: $200 fine or 32 hours of community service, or both.
  • Second or subsequent violation: $500 fine or 48 hours of community service, or both.

In the event of a crash caused by a driver who was holding a device, the penalties will be doubled as per the new law. This means that the driver will face a more severe consequence for their actions.

Exceptions for the hands-free law are as follows:

  • Law enforcement, first responders, and other emergency workers would not be prohibited from using a cell phone while performing official duties.
  • The same exception goes for anyone calling or texting 911 to report an emergency or seek help.
  • Drivers will still be allowed to use their GPS, but only if it’s hands-free. Phones could be used as navigation systems so long as it is in a hands-free fashion, such as mounting it to the dashboard or using voice commands to control it.
  • Generally, using voice commands or hands-free modes to use mobile electronic devices is allowed.

Learn more about Michigan’s new distracted driving law here.