Ghost Riders Will Be Watching For People Texting While Driving

Michigan will be cracking down on distracted drivers by enlisting ghost riders in unmarked cars looking for people texting or holding their phones when driving.

What is Michigan's Distracted Driving Law?

So the definition of distracted driving is using a hand-held cell phone or mobile electronic device to text, talk, watch videos, or go on social media while driving.

The penalties for doing anything mentioned above start with a fine of $100 for your first-time offense, or 16 hours of community service, or both. The second time you get busted for distracted driving the fine is $250, or 24 hours of community service, or both. Plus, second-time offenders get one point on their driving record. If you are dumb enough to do it again and get caught you pay a $250 fine, have to take a driver improvement course and for the bonus, you get two points added to your driving record which means your insurance is going up. If you cause a crash while using your phone the fines will be much higher.

There is a hands-free exception to using your phone while driving in Michigan. The phone must be in "hands-free" or "voice-operated" mode and placed on a mount.  Other than those options you are breaking the law if you use your phone while driving.

Read More: Could the Eclipse Lead to 1,000 Fatal Car Crashes? 

Michigan Sending Unmarked Law Enforcement Vehicles to Spot Distracted Drivers

The State of Michigan is putting the hammer down on distracted driving by enlisting "Ghost Riders" in unmarked vehicles to spy on drivers who might be using their phones with their hands or texting.

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According to WOOD, an officer will be cruising in an unmarked vehicle with a passenger who will spy on drivers in hopes of catching one with their phone in their hand. Then the officer will radio ahead to a marked cruiser to pull you over and write you a ticket. Law enforcement is calling this "Operation Ghost Rider."