Michigan Distracted Driving Laws [2025 Updated]

Throughout Michigan, distracted drivers cause accidents, especially along I-94, I-75, and U.S. Route 23. Traffic congestion and construction zones exacerbate collision risks, with rear-end and multi-vehicle crashes common in the Great Lakes State. Explore the Michigan distracted driving laws, penalties for violations, and distracted driving data for our area.

What Is Michigan’s Distracted Driving Law?

As of 2023, Michigan law prohibits operating a vehicle and using a cellular phone. This law bans drivers from manually typing or sending a text while driving throughout Michigan. It’s a primary enforcement law, which means law enforcement officers may make a traffic stop if they see someone disobeying the law. There are exceptions for:

• Reporting crashes
• Reporting crimes, or
• Other emergency situations

Notably, for Michigan’s teen drivers with a license restriction through Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing, any kind of cell phone use is unlawful. If they violate the law, they may face fines and fees and potentially have their license suspended. Adults who are caught driving while distracted may face substantial penalties.

What Are the Distracted Driving Penalties?

If you violate the new distracted driving law, you may face consequences such as:

• First Violation. $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service.
• Subsequent Violations. $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service.
• Three Violations Within a Three-Year Period. You might be ordered to attend a driving class designed to improve your understanding of relevant Michigan driving laws.

The state has a vested interest in enforcing the new distracted driving law, as it remains a major safety concern across our state.

Can I Use My Phone If I’m Stopped at a Red Light?

It’s against the law to hold or otherwise use your cell phone if you’re driving throughout Michigan, which includes being stopped at a traffic light. You are precluded from reviewing or sending texts, taking calls, or otherwise using your cell phone, even when you’re waiting at a red light. You can’t use your phone while driving unless you park your car legally.

Can I Use My Integrated Bluetooth System?

It is illegal in Michigan to use your hands-free car technology, including a Bluetooth system, for anything more than a one-touch operation. If you do more than a single touch, it is against the law that’s designed to prevent distracted driving. Even if your phone is mounted, you cannot use it beyond a single touch. Most phones have voice commands, and you should use that feature instead.

Distracted Driving in Michigan

Distracted driving is a major safety concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported approximately 3,522 distracted driver-related fatalities across the United States, which accounted for approximately 25% of all collision-related fatalities.

In Michigan specifically, the Michigan State Police noted 287,953 accidents during 2023, and 15,136 of those accidents were caused by distracted drivers. Distracted drivers caused about 5,889 injuries and 59 fatalities. For cell phones specifically, there were 2,405 crashes and 11 fatalities involving cell phones.

Our new distracted driving law is attempting to reduce the number of distracted drivers on Michigan roadways, but this data shows drivers are still inattentive while operating their vehicles. If you need further information about distracted driving, the State of Michigan has reliable information available online about what is prohibited under Michigan law. Plus, they have helpful tips available to help avoid distracted driving.

FAQs

Is It Illegal to Eat While Driving in Michigan?

Although there isn’t a Michigan law specifically addressing eating while driving, it is typically considered a type of distracted driving. Our Distracted Driving Law makes any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road unlawful, which likely includes eating.

Therefore, while not explicitly illegal, eating could be grounds for a penalty if a police officer considers it a distraction. Understanding the car accident settlement process can help you recover damages.

Can I Make a Call on My Cell in an Emergency or If I’m in a Wreck?

Yes, you can use your cell phone to make a call if you’re in an emergency or involved in a wreck. Under Michigan law, you can call or text 911 for emergency assistance.

If you are hit by a distracted driver, it’s important to get medical attention right away. Try to document the scene by taking videos and photos of the accident scene. Contact an experienced distracted driving attorney for help with your injuries and a property damage claim.

What Evidence Is Helpful in Proving That a Michigan Driver Was Distracted?

You can gather proof to show a distracted driver caused your accident. If you can prove their lack of attention caused your accident, you typically can have a successful negligence claim. You may be able to collect vehicle video footage, cell phone records, police reports, and witness statements to support your account of the accident and claim for recovery. An attorney can help gather this important evidence and help build a strong claim.

Knowing when to call a lawyer or insurance after a car accident can strengthen your case.

What Does a Distracted Driver Victim’s Attorney Cost in Michigan?

Each attorney in Michigan determines their own attorney’s fees and costs for distracted driver claims. Many firms, including ours, offer free case evaluations. That is an excellent time to ask questions about the scope of their representation and anticipated attorney’s fees for accident victims, so you can be prepared financially.

When you are considering a specific attorney, ask about their written fee agreement and ask questions to fully address their fee structure.

Contact Wigod & Falzon – Free Consultations

If you’re involved in a wreck caused by an inattentive driver, it’s important to consult an experienced attorney to discuss the value of your claim. Many Michiganians are surprised to learn their claim’s value once they discuss their accident with a knowledgeable attorney. Contact Wigod & Falzon to discuss your case and how we can maximize the recovery of your damages.

When a collision isn’t your fault, an attorney can provide a strategy to help you recover from your injuries and property damage. Under Michigan’s distracted driving law, you might be entitled to substantial damages.

Wigod & Falzon has two convenient law firm locations in Jackson and Southfield, and we stand ready to discuss your situation and share how we can help. Contact us to set up a no-cost initial consultation today with a preeminent Michigan law firm proudly representing victims of distracted drivers.