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.




You can download a copy of this law from the State of Michigan website by clicking here.