Colon Police Department - Use of Mobile Devices While Driving

USE OF MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2023: MCL 257.602b

Section 1

Individual shall not hold or use a mobile electronic device (MED) while operating a motor vehicle (this section does not apply to commercial motor vehicle and school bus operators).

Using a MED means all of the following:

Sending or receiving a call.
Sending, receiving, or reading a text.
Viewing, recording, or transmitting a video.
Accessing, reading, or posting to social media.

Section 2

Commercial motor vehicle and school bus operators shall not hold or use a MED.

Prohibitions include all the above with the addition of the following:

Reaching for a MED that causes the driver to no longer be seated in a driving position and restrained by a seat belt.

Section 3

Lists exceptions to Sections 1 and 2

Law enforcement, firefighter, paramedic, and public utility employee when responding to a public utility emergency.
For emergency purposes including calling or texting 911 for the following reasons:
To report a fire, traffic crash, serious road hazard, or medical emergency.
To report a reckless or possible intoxicated driver.
To report a crime being committed.
The use of GPS or navigation feature of a MED if information is not entered by hand.
The use of MED in a voice-operated or hands-free mode with the following exceptions:
Using a single button press, tap, or swipe to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the MED or to select a telephone number or name.
Using a MED that is integrated into a motor vehicle and utilizes the user interfaces that are permanently installed into the motor vehicle.
The use of a MED for the sole purpose of continuously recording or broadcasting video inside or outside of a motor vehicle.
The use of a MED that is placed in a mount and used in a manner described above.

Section 4 - 1st and 2nd Offenses of section 1: civil infractions with $100/$250 fines.

Section 5 - 1st and 2nd Offenses for section 2: civil infractions with $200/$500 fines.

Section 6 - Fines are doubled if individual is involved in a crash and at fault while violating either section.

Section 7 - This section supersedes all local ordinances regulating the use of MEDs while operating a vehicle, except that a unit of government may adopt an ordinance substantialy corresponding to this section.

Section 8 -If three or more violations of (1) within three-year period, individual must complete basic driver improvement course.

Section 9

Police officer enforcing this section may use this section as the primary or sole reason for issuing a citation to the driver.
Police shall not search motor vehicle or driver or passenger solely because of a violation of this section.

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