Plan to tamp down on phone use while driving making its way through Michigan House
A plan that would ban using your phone while driving in Michigan is making its way through the state Legislature, after members of the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to send it to the full House for a vote.
House Bills 4150, 4151 and 4152 would prohibit the use of cell phones and other mobile devices while driving, with some exceptions for using hands-free technology, like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Current Michigan law does ban texting and driving, but advocates for expanding bans to cover all phone usage that isn't hands-free say it's time for the state's policy to catch up to smartphone technology.
That includes making calls, scrolling social media, shooting a video and yes, texting. There are exceptions — drivers would still be permitted to dial 9-1-1, make calls to other emergency services and report a crime taking place or other reckless driving.
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Additionally, the bills carve out exceptions for filming first responders like police officers and paramedics while they're doing their jobs, as well as public utility workers. Dash and other vehicle cameras are also allowed under the plan.
For cars that don't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, devices can be used hands-free if they are secured by a mount.
Michigan would be the 26th so-called hands-free state if the plan is signed into law.
Like with Michigan's original bans on texting and driving, lawmakers say the plan targets making roadways safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. The plan is supported by the League of Michigan Bicyclists, County Roads Association and the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, among others.
“Unfortunately, the law has not kept up with the technology of the times," said Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth, and sponsor of HB 4250, during an April 11 committee hearing.
Penalties would start off with a $100 civil fine for first-time offenders and/or 16 hours of community service, followed by $250 fines for each subsequent violation, and/or 24 hours of community service. Fines would be doubled if the penalty occurs during a car crash. Fines are also greater for school bus and commercial vehicle drivers, checking in at $250 for the first offense and $500 for every subsequent offense.
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Anyone penalized three times in a three-year period could have their licenses revoked for 90 days under the plan.
In 2021, the last year with available annual data, there were 2,765 vehicle crashes where cell phone use was a factor, according to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Twenty-one of those crashes were fatal.
The bills now move to the full House for consideration. Should the plan pass, it would still have to pass the Michigan Senate before it could be signed into law.
Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan House plan would ban phone use while driving
