LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Effective Friday, June 30, Michigan will become the 26th state in the U.S. to adopt hands-free device legislation.
The new law will require drivers using a cell phones to do so with the use of hands-free technology.
To support this new legislation, the Michigan Department of Transportation will begin installing Hands-Free Device Use signs at 37 locations along state line and border crossings. Installation began this week and is expected to continue through the summer until all signs are placed.
Texting while driving has been illegal in Michigan since 2010, but state officials say increasing the parameters of the law to prohibit the use of cell phones without hands-free technology is expected to further improve safety for all road users, including passengers, pedestrians, and road workers.
“This legislation is a welcome addition in the fight to reduce roadway fatalities and injuries,” said State Transportation Director Brad Wieferich. “Improving safety for our road workers is a top priority for the department, and these new laws will help to ensure that our roads and work zones are protected from distracted driving.”
Additional information regarding this legislation and the penalties associated are available through the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning website at www.Michigan.gov/DistractedDriving.
