One Amendment Away From No Cellphone Use In Michigan Vehicles

Michiganders are one amendment away from not being able to use their cell phones while driving.

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What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. That is a pretty cut-and-dry statement but it is referring to talking or texting with your phone, eating and drinking, talking to others in your vehicle, changing the radio station, and typing in an address on your phone's map, it is pretty much anything that takes your attention away from driving safely.

I don't think the government will ever be able to get drivers and passengers to not talk to each other, change the radio station, or eat food they just got at a drive-thru but Michigan lawmakers are an amendment away from drivers not being able to make a call or text while you are behind the wheel.

Michigan Existing Law Regarding Texting and Driving

I don't know anyone who hasn't used their phone while driving whether it was making a call, or sending and receiving a text. We all know it's wrong and dangerous and there is already a texting a driving law in place.

In 2010, a law was put in place for the state of Michigan prohibiting texting while driving. If caught, your fine for your first offense was $100, and for any additional offenses, the fine would be $200 for each infraction. 13 years later, that law is about to change completely.

Michigan is One Amendment Away From Banning Cellphone Use While Driving

Michigan's State Senate passed a bill Wednesday to ban cellphone use while driving, not just texting but calling, social media, taking photos or video, and typing in addresses in your GPS and any other use. You will not be allowed to even reach for your phone. My guess is, if you break any of these laws once in place the fines will be much more expensive.

Now don't freak out because the ban doesn't include hands-free calls, where you can make a call using a single touch, tap or swipe but the phone has to be in a holder. If you have a vehicle that has a phone interface you are good to go so it's not a total ban just keep it out of your hands.

According to WOOD, the House will still need to agree with the Senate on this new amendment and if passed the new law could start as early as the end of June.