Legislation to reduce distracted driving is now headed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. State Representative Joey Andrews tells us it passed out of the House Thursday. The package bans holding a phone to talk while driving.
“It encourages hands-free use while driving,” Andrews said. “I believe there’s something in there to help people get access to hands-free set ups. As long as your phone is hands-free in some way, whether it’s on Bluetooth or in one of those holders, it’s totally fine.”
The legislation prohibits sending or receiving a call with your hands, using social media, and viewing or recording a video. Andrews says the goal is for drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
“This bill’s come up a few times over the last several cycles, and for whatever reason, it just has not made it over the finish line. It’s been illegal to text and drive in Michigan for a while, but it’s pretty difficult for police to know if you’re texting specifically, so it’s been relatively unenforceable.”
Using your phone for navigation, as long as you’re not holding it and looking away from the road, will still be allowed. Violations will come with a $100 fine for the first offense and $250 fines for additional offenses. Andrews says the rules will take effect in June.
