Texting while driving is illegal in Michigan. State law bans people from reading, typing, or sending a text message while driving. Even holding a mobile device behind the wheel of a moving vehicle is illegal, except in a few situations.

If ticketed for using a mobile device while driving, drivers can be ordered to complete community service hours and fined $100 for a first offense and $250 for a second or subsequent offense.

The Hands-Free Law

Though Michigan’s hands-free law typically prohibits drivers from holding their phones while driving, it still allows drivers to use them in hands-free mode. This might involve using voice commands, a dashboard mount, or a Bluetooth system connected to your car’s speakers.

Since this law was enacted in 2023, it is estimated to have decreased distracted driving in Michigan by 9.5%.

In emergencies, drivers can use hand-held phones to report the situations and call for help.

Making Michigan’s Roads Safer

Approximately 400,000 people are injured in distracted driving crashes every year in the U.S., but statewide efforts such as the hands-free law have shown results. However, safety advocates note that even a hands-free law can’t completely rid our roads of distraction-related accidents. That’s because several other forms of distraction also put road users at risk for accidents and injuries.

Other common distractions include:

  • Excessive noise from too many passengers in a vehicle
  • Eating, drinking, or smoking behind the wheel
  • Listening to excessively loud music or talk radio
  • Trying to retrieve an item that is out of reach
  • Looking at crashes or other distracting events occurring outside the vehicle (rubbernecking)

Any activity that can take your hands, eyes, or mind off the task of driving can lead to a distracted driving accident. Even having a conversation on a hands-free device can increase your risk of being involved in a crash.

To make our roads safer, we should take greater responsibility for our actions behind the wheel. However, we have no control over what our fellow drivers do. The best way to deter all drivers from distracted driving is to hold them accountable when they cause others harm.

At Fieger Law, We Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable

Distracted driving victims face many problems after crashes. Fieger Law believes victims deserve compensation to cover all of their crash-related costs. We fight to get our clients compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income (past and future)
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

We ensure our clients get the help they need to rebuild their lives after being injured by a distracted driver. If a distracted driver injured you, we offer free consultations to help you better understand your legal options. You’re under no obligation to move forward with our firm if you decide not to pursue a claim.

If you’d like to speak with our Michigan car accident lawyers, call or fill out our online form to schedule a free case assessment.

Originally published March 15, 2021.