Using a mobile phone while driving in Michigan (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Michigan bans holding or using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, with an exception for voice-operated or hands-free use. The first-offence penalty is a USD 100 civil fine or 16 hours of community service, or both.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $100.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers: you may not hold or use a phone to send, receive or read a text message, including when stopped in traffic or at a light. Voice-operated or hands-free use with a single tap or swipe is allowed. [1] |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car | Primary: police may treat a violation as the primary or sole reason for issuing a citation, but may not search the vehicle or occupants solely because of it. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Holders of a level 1 or level 2 graduated licence may not make, answer or take part in calls on a mobile phone while driving, even hands-free, except to report an accident, emergency, road hazard or crime (Kelsey's law). [2] |
Notes
- 'Hold' means to physically support with any part of the hands, arms or shoulders. The text was read from an Internet Archive snapshot of 23 June 2025, complete through PA 5 of 2025. Subsection (11) provides that the section does not apply beginning 5 years after the effective date of the amendatory act that added subsection (12).
- Voice-operated or hands-free use is allowed if the driver does not use their hands, except a single button press, tap or swipe, or a device integrated into the vehicle. Use of a device in a mount is also excepted.
- The first violation is a USD 100 civil fine or 16 hours of community service, or both. A second or subsequent violation is USD 250 or 24 hours. The fine doubles if the driver is at fault in an accident. Commercial vehicle and school bus drivers face higher amounts under subsection (5).
- Section 602b states no licence points. The points schedule in MCL 257.320a was not read.
Sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL - Section 257.602b (Internet Archive snapshot of 23 June 2025; complete through PA 5 of 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 257.602c: Use of cellular telephone by level 1 or level 2 graduated licence holder (Internet Archive snapshot of 13 June 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Michigan and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 (or 16 hours community service) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | Banned | Allowed (hands-free or one-button) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Indiana | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | Banned | Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Ohio | Banned (calls at the ear allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | 2 points |
| Wisconsin | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Michigan
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 12 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (business district) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 years 9 months (level 1)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 14+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (consumer fireworks; licensed retail) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; "dangerous weapon" concealed is banned · Locking or one-handed knives: Former mechanical-opening ban repealed (2017)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $13.73 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Adults: no; under 16: yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.