Michigan Implements Strict Distracted Driving Laws to Improve Road Safety

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a new law that bans holding phones while driving, making it illegal to take a call with a phone to your ear while driving. The law restricts phone use on the road to single swipes and taps and hands-free technologies. Voice-based commands, speech-to-text functions, and smartphone integration software such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are unrestricted under the new law. Using a phone in a car mount or in an emergency is still allowed, but checking email or reading texts will also become subject to a fine or community service.