LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan House approved new legislation that would require hands free use of cell phones for the state. 

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Lawmakers passed a three bill package with 68 yes votes to 39 no votes, incurring bipartisan support.  However, some legislators still opposed the package, who viewed the changes as unnecessary considering the Michigan distracted laws already in place. 

“What are we trying to accomplish?” Representative Jaimie Greene (R-Richmond) said, “We want people to text and drive less.  We already want people to speed less as well…More laws doesn’t necessarily mean that that action is going to take place.”

Advocates and bill supporters of part of the package, Reps. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) helped pass bills that would amend the distracted driving part of Michigan’s vehicle code to expand cell phone use restrictions beyond just texting and driving. 

Before, the law read that “a person shall not read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless 2 way communication device that is located in the person’s hand or in the person’s lap, including a wireless telephone used in cellular telephone service or personal communication service, while operating a motor vehicle.” 

The new language reflects simpler verbiage and wider effects, “An individual shall not hold or use a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.” The legislation also defines forbidden tasks to include: send or receive a telephone call; send, receive, or read a text message; view, record, or transmit a video; access, read, or post to a social media networking site. 

There are a few exceptions in place for drivers such as to make emergency calls, report a traffic crash, medical emergency, or report a crime taking place, which would allow first responders to continue using their phones while on the job.  Otherwise, individuals would need to pull off the road and have their vehicle be completely stopped. 

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Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden) also got House Bill 4252 passed which would require  a nearly two year study reviewing the application of the law, and its use on certain demographic populations.  Additionally, the law would be up for review in five years, in which lawmakers could extend or extinguish it. 

These bills have passed less than a month after instigating the counter distracted driving program in multiple departments across the state, Operation Ghost Rider, the Michigan legislature has chosen to increase penalties for using cell phones while driving, in an effort to reduce distracted driving.