Politics & Government
New Michigan Law Prohibits Teens From Using a Cell Phone While Driving
Most local legislators supported the law, signed Tuesday by Gov. Rick Snyder.
A new Michigan law prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone while driving a car.
According to MichiganVotes.org, Senate Bill 756 applies to any driver with a temporary drivers permit or a level 1 or 2 graduated license—meaning any driver under the age of 17. The law, building on current texting and driving laws, makes it a civil infraction for a teen to use a hands-on cell phone.
Dubbed "Kelsey's Law," the legislation is named for a 17-year-old Sault Ste. Marie girl who died in a car crash in 2010 while she was using her cell phone.
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Snyder signed the bill into law Tuesday, according to the Detroit News.
The law passed 74-33 in the House of Representatives and 28-10 in the Senate. State Reps. Gail Haines (R-43rd District) and Chuck Moss (R-40th District) opposed the legislation, while Lisa Brown (D-39th District) voted in favor. State Sens. Mike Kowall (R-15th District) and Jim Marleau (R-12th District) also voted in favor.
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Because violation of the law is a civil infraction, it is up to local municipalities to determine the fine.
The legislation adds to state driving laws that prohibit texting while driving.
According to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, in 2011, 555 traffic crashes in West Bloomfield involved young people between 16-24 years old.
In Michigan last year, drivers were reported to be distracted in 3,986 crashes, and using cell phones in 821 crashes.
