Full question:
Under the laws of Michigan, is it an offence to use the cell phone while driving?
- Category: Automobiles
- Subcategory: Traffic Laws
- Date:
- State: Michigan
Answer:
In Michigan, whether to ban handheld cell phone use while driving is a local decision. Generally, using a cell phone while driving is not prohibited. However, research shows that both hands-free and handheld phone use increases crash risk, which raises concerns about allowing hands-free use while banning handheld use. No state in the U.S. prohibits hands-free cell phone use while driving. It's important to note that dialing a phone can be more distracting than talking, although hands-free devices with voice-dialing may slightly reduce accident risk.
Using cell phones while driving can distract drivers significantly. Texting is particularly dangerous because it requires drivers to take their eyes off the road, unlike talking on the phone, which can often be done without looking away (except when dialing). Text messaging is banned for all drivers in 14 states and the District of Columbia.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.