Michigan to Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving Unless It’s Hands-Free
It looks like Michigan will finally ban the use of cell phones while driving after the bill cleared the House 75-26. Of course, the legislation would still need to pass the Michigan Senate and be signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Distracted driving is huge problem on Michigan's roads and has been for awhile. Literally every day I see someone's face buried in their stupid phone while they're swerving all over the road. I passed a woman on I-75 yesterday because I thought she was drunk and I just wanted to get around her, turns out she was watching a video or something on her phone. She was clueless to everything going on around her.
If the bill becomes a law, checking social media, sending an email or filming a video while driving would be banned. It would basically go beyond the ban of texting and driving that's already in place. However, you'd still be able to use your phone while driving if you're using it hands-free.
According to MLive, there will be some exceptions including emergency calls, selecting a phone number or using a GPS system.
What Happens if You Get Pulled Over While Using Your Phone?
If you happen to get pulled over and you're in violation, you're going to have to cough up $100 or possibly do some community service. The more you do it, the more it's going to cost you. Also, the fine would be doubled if an accident occurred.
Here's something that's really crazy. Did you know that as of right now, even though there's a law banning texting and driving, you can still stream a TV show, shop online or be on a Zoom call while behind the wheel? That's pretty messed up.
I do think think it's going to be a real challenge for police as it'll be so difficult to know exactly what a driver is doing.