NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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The challenge is simple: when you get into any vehicle, buckle up your safety belt. If you are a driver, put the cell phone down. Turn it off if you have to. Every trip, every time!
In Michigan, a total of 2,269 motor vehicle drivers, 11 pedestrians, and seven bicyclists were reported to be using cell phones in 2023 (total of 2,284 crashes). Of those total crashes involving cell phone use, 21 per cent also involved a lane departure. Almost 47 per cent of rear-end crashes involved a driver using a cell phone.
It is 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.
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. For more information on hands-free driving in Michigan, click the following link: Hands-free Law Guide.
There are many things that can cause a driver to be distracted while driving – eating, passengers in the vehicle, and even the radio. Texting is the most alarming distraction, however, because it involves all three types of distraction: taking your eyes off the road (visual), taking your hands off the wheel (manual), and taking your mind off the drive (cognitive). 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. For more information on distracted driving: Distracted Driving (michigan.gov).
Go Hands-Free. Just Drive. It's the Law.
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