Michigan Traffic Laws FAQ

Know the laws if you get pulled over.
Know who to call if you need legal defense if a violation turns into a DUI or worse.

Cell Phones

Question: I was told that you could dial *677 from your cell phone and it would connect you directly to the state police. Is this true?

Answer: This internet myth is based partially in reality, but does not apply to Michigan. In Michigan, as well as most states, the number to contact for an emergency is 911. Some states have a non-emergency number as well, with *677 being the variant that works in Ontario (677=OPP on the telephone keypad).

Question: Is it against the law to talk on a cell phone while driving in Michigan?

Answer: MCL 257.602b prohibits texting while driving at any age, while MCL 257.602c (Kelsey’s Law), is a different law aimed at discouraging verbal cell phone communication in graduated level drivers less than 18 years old. Additionally, a driver who becomes distracted by using a cell phone and commits a traffic violation could be charged with careless driving, or with the specific violation, such as improper lane use, if they are drifting in and out of their lane.

Some municipalities have recently enacted local ordinances that prohibit using a cellular phone while driving within their respective jurisdiction. Any municipality that establishes such an ordinance should post notification at their jurisdictional boundaries to alert motorists.

You should know the new distracted driving law

REDS ALERT

Go Hands-Free. Just Drive. It’s the Law.

Distracted driving law now in effect:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill making it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders.

Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on your dashboard or connected to your vehicle’s built-in system, you cannot use your hands to operate it beyond a single touch.

As a result, you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving:

Make or answer a telephone or video call.
Send or read a text or email message.
Watch, record, or send a video.
Access, read, or post to social media.
Browse or use the Internet.
Enter information into GPS or a navigation system.

Disclaimer: This Frequently Asked Questions page is provided solely as a means of providing basic answers to questions about the Michigan Vehicle Code and is not designed or intended to provide a basis to contest a citation for a violation of the code. The positions stated are only those of the Michigan Department of State Police and are not binding on any other law enforcement agency or any Court. If our position is supported by case law then it will be enumerated within the answer provided. Source of Information – Traffic Laws FAQ