LANSING, Mich. - Effective today (Friday) Michigan becomes the 26th state in the U.S. to adopt hands-free device legislation, placing strict implications on drivers found to be using cell phones without the use of hands-free technology.
To support the new legislation, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin installing Hands-Free Device Use signs at 37 locations along state line and border crossings. Installation is expected to continue through the summer until all signs are placed. In addition to trunkline signs, MDOT’s dynamic message sign (DMS) boards will include reminders of the new law.
Although texting while driving has been illegal in Michigan since 2010, 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.
