Breaking The Law? Detroit Cop Caught On Phone After Hands Free Law Takes Effect

On Friday Michigan's new distracted driving law took effect.

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I've got all the information you need to know about the new law and something interesting that happened on Friday that has some people upset.

Michigan's new distracted driving law takes effect

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently 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.

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.

What is Michigan's new distracted driving law?

It is now illegal to hold and use a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle in Michigan.

The law is aimed at reducing distracted-driving crashes and fatalities

The legislation was introduced because distracted driving accounts for 25% of fatal crashes in Michigan.

How dangerous is distracted driving in Michigan?

In 2020, 5.8% of Michigan crashes involved a distracted driver

Distracted driving was a factor in 8% of all fatal crashes, 14% of all injury crashes, and 13% of all motor vehicle crashes in the US.

Last year, Michigan lost 1,120 friends and family members to distracted driving.

What happens if you get caught?

1st violation

• $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service.

2nd or subsequent violations

• $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service.

3 violations within a 3-year period

• Complete a driving-improvement course.
• Fines doubled

If a traffic crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a mobile device while operating the vehicle, any civil fines will be doubled.

Is anyone exempt from the new law?

There are some exceptions to the law, such as using a device to report an emergency or to operate a commercial vehicle within the scope of the driver's employment.

Additionally, the law does not apply to a device that is integrated into the vehicle, such as a built-in navigation system.

Detroit Cop Caught Using Phone After Hands-Free Law Takes Effect

On Friday, the first day of Michigan's new hands-free law someone caught a Detroit Police Officer on the phone while driving.

Can that cop get in trouble? The answer is NO...

According to the new hand's free law, law enforcement, fire responders, and other emergency services are exempt from the law as long as it is used for official duty.

Michigan.gov answered some common questions people have been asking

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can learn more about Michigan's new distracted driving law by Clicking here.