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Distracted Driving
Distracted Driving
Go Hands-Free. Just Drive. It's the Law.
Distracted driving law now in effect:
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.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes.
Distracted Driving Awareness Videos
Kelsey's Law
Sam Howell's Journey: The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Worth Dying For
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.