New Michigan Law Prohibits Teens From Using a Cell Phone While Driving
Law named for teen who died in car crash while using her cell phone.
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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.
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. Legislators voted on the measure in December.
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. Troy also has its own distracted driving ordinance.
In Michigan last year, drivers were reported to be distracted in 3,986 crashes, and using cell phones in 821 crashes.
SHIRLEY PAGE
10:57 am on Sunday, January 13, 2013
What good is the law if it is not enforced? Drive around Troy and see how many people are talking on their cell phones, teens and adults. Check the mothers around Morse School and surrounding neighborhood. They (mothers) think the law does not apply to them.