Distracted Driving in Michigan: What You Need to Know Before You Pick Up Your Phone
Let’s be real: everyone thinks they’re a good driver.
But if you’re checking a text at a red light, changing the playlist on Spotify, snapping a quick photo, or even eating a burger behind the wheel—you’re a distracted driver.
And in Michigan, that’s not just risky. It’s against the law.
Let’s break down what distracted driving really is in Michigan, what the law says, the penalties you could face, and why it’s not worth it.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your:
🟠 Eyes off the road
🟠 Hands off the wheel
🟠 Mind off driving
It can be as obvious as texting or as subtle as daydreaming.
Michigan law specifically focuses on handheld device use because it’s one of the worst offenders.
Michigan’s Hands-Free Law
As of June 30, 2023, Michigan’s new hands-free law makes it clear:
🟠 You can’t hold or use a phone while driving.
🟠 You can’t watch or record videos.
🟠 You can’t type, send, or read texts or emails.
🟠 Even stopped at a red light? Still not allowed.
The only exceptions?
🟠 Hands-free calls (using voice commands or mounted devices).
🟠 Emergency situations (like calling 911).
🟠 Law enforcement and first responders on duty.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Michigan
You might think it’s “just a ticket.” But it adds up.
🟠 First offense: $100 fine (or 16 hours of community service).
🟠 Second offense: $250 fine (or 24 hours of community service).
🟠 Commercial drivers face double the fines.
🟠 Three violations within 3 years? Mandatory driver improvement course.
And remember—these are just the tickets. If you crash while distracted, things get much worse.
Civil and Criminal Consequences
If you cause an accident while driving distracted, you can face:
🟠 Civil liability for injuries or damage.
🟠 Lawsuits that can cost you thousands (or more).
🟠 Increased insurance rates.
🟠 Potential criminal charges if someone is seriously hurt or killed.
In other words: you’re risking way more than a $100 ticket if you’re not paying attention.
“I Only Looked Away for a Second”
We’ve all said it. But the math doesn’t lie.
At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
It’s enough time to:
🟠 Miss a red light.
🟠 Rear-end someone.
🟠 Hit a cyclist or pedestrian.
🟠 Swerve into oncoming traffic.
One second can change everything.
Teens and Distracted Driving
Parents: pay attention here.
Teen drivers are among the most distracted behind the wheel.
🟠 Phones.
🟠 Friends in the car.
🟠 Inexperience judging traffic.
In Michigan, drivers under 18 were already banned from using phones even before the hands-free law. Now, it’s even stricter for everyone.
Talk to your kids. Set rules. Model good behavior yourself.
Police Are Enforcing It
Don’t assume this is one of those “nobody really enforces it” laws.
🟠 Officers can and do pull drivers over just for using a handheld device.
🟠 It’s a primary offense—they don’t need any other reason.
🟠 Many departments are running distracted driving enforcement campaigns.
If you’re holding your phone at the wheel, you’re giving them probable cause to stop you.
Real Consequences in Court
If you get a ticket for distracted driving in Michigan, it’s not just the fine:
🟠 It goes on your driving record.
🟠 Your insurance rates can go up.
🟠 Judges aren’t impressed by “I was only checking the GPS.”
And if you cause an injury crash while distracted? Prosecutors may file charges like:
🟠 Negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
🟠 Moving violations causing injury or death.
Those can mean serious fines—or even jail time.
How to Stay Legal (and Safe)
It’s not that complicated:
🟠 Use Bluetooth or built-in hands-free systems.
🟠 Mount your phone on the dash if you need navigation.
🟠 Set playlists and directions before you leave.
🟠 Pull over if you need to text or call.
🟠 Don’t eat, do your makeup, or mess with pets while driving.
Driving is the main job. Everything else can wait.
The Bottom Line
Michigan’s distracted driving law isn’t about annoying you. It’s about saving lives.
When you’re driving distracted, you’re not just risking a ticket. You’re risking:
🟠 Your life.
🟠 Your passengers’ lives.
🟠 The lives of everyone else on the road.
So put the phone down. Stay focused. Get home safe.
Need Legal Help?
At Newburg Law, we help Michigan drivers understand their rights and defend them in court when things go wrong.
🟠 Honest answers.
🟠 Smart strategy.
🟠 Real-world guidance.
📲 Contact us today if you’re facing a distracted driving ticket or charges.