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Distracted Driving

Woman using cell phone while driving car.

Distracted Driving

Go Hands-Free. Just Drive. It's the Law. 

In 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill making it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders.

Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on your dashboard or connected to your vehicle’s built-in system, you cannot use your hands to operate it beyond a single touch.

As a result, you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving:

  • Make or answer a telephone or video call.
  • Send or read a text or email message.
  • Watch, record, or send a video.
  • Access, read, or post to social media.
  • Browse or use the Internet.
  • Enter information into GPS or a navigation system.

Hands-free Law Guide

Hands-Free Law Enforcement Materials

April 2026 Enforcement Campaign

What is Distracted Driving?

There are three main types of distraction:

  • Visual

    Taking your eyes off the road.

  • Manual

    Taking your hands off the wheel.

  • Cognitive

    Taking your mind off the drive.

Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves all three types of distraction. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes.

Penalties for distracted driving:

The law makes holding or manually using a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle a primary offense—which means an officer can stop and ticket drivers for this violation.

  • First Violation

    $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service.

  • Subsequent Violations

    $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service.

  • Three Violations Within a Three-year Period

    Complete a driving-improvement course.

  • Fines Doubled

    If a traffic crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a mobile device while operating the vehicle, any civil fines will be doubled.

Distracted Driving Awareness Videos

  • Kelsey's Law

  • Sam Howell's Journey: The Dangers of Distracted Driving

  • Worth Dying For

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

  • Can I use Bluetooth or my vehicle’s built-in system?

    You can use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the vehicle as long as you do not manually use the system. Anything more than a single touch is against the law.

  • My phone is mounted on my dashboard, so I’m hands-free. Can I send a text?

    You cannot use your hands to operate a cell phone or other device beyond a single touch, even if it is mounted. Use voice-activated commands instead.

  • What if I see a crash or have an emergency?

    You can use a cell phone to call or text 911 to report an emergency or seek help.

  • Can I use my device while I am stopped at a light or in traffic?

    You cannot hold or manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device at any time while operating a vehicle. Operation includes being stopped at a light or in traffic but does not include being legally parked.

  • Tips to avoid distractions

    • Use your phone's Do Not Disturb feature or an app to silence calls and texts.
    • Put your phone in the glove box or elsewhere to curb the urge to look at it.
    • Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking while driving.
    • Never attempt to read while driving, including a map.
    • Do not do any personal grooming or adjust your clothing while driving.
    • Avoid a lot of interaction with passengers.
    • Emotions can interfere with driving. Do not drive when you are angry or upset.
    • Keep music at a reasonable level, and avoid using headphones or earbuds.
    • Pull over to a safe location and park your vehicle if you need to make or take a call.
    • Do not drive with a pet on your lap.
    • Ask a passenger to help navigate, change the music, or monitor your texts.
    • Pull over to a safe place to address situations involving children.
    • Do not daydream when you are behind the wheel.

Resources