Everything You Need to Know About Michigan’s Texting and Driving Laws
Texting and driving in Michigan is a primary offense and will result in a $100 fine—more in some circumstances.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Michigan
enacted its distracted driving laws in 2010. Your first offense will result in at least a $100 fine–possibly more under certain circumstances. Michigan uses primary enforcement of these laws, meaning an officer can pull you over violating them even if you’re not doing anything else wrong. The laws in Michigan cover more than just texting. Drivers under the age of 18 with a level 1 or 2 license are banned from any type of cell phone use—even hands-free. In 2017, there were 7,416 crashes in Michigan that involved distracted driving, and these incidents caused 3,472 injuries and 28 deaths.
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What are the texting and driving laws in Michigan?
It is prohibited to read, write, or send text messages while driving in Michigan. As a primary offense, an officer can pull you over just for posting on your Insta or reading a text—even if you’re obeying all other laws.
Additionally, school bus drivers and drivers of commercial vehicles are banned from using handheld devices while driving. Drivers under the age of 18 with a Level 1 or 2 learner’s permit are prohibited from using a cell phone in any manner when driving, even if it’s in hands-free mode.
Michigan considers three types of distractions in its distracted driving laws: manual, visual, and cognitive.
- Manual distractions are anything that make you take your hands off the wheel, like smoking, eating, or reaching for something
- Visual distractions make you take your eyes off the road, like looking at your phone or checking your reflection in the rearview mirror
- Cognitive distractions are those things that make you take your mind off the task of driving, like daydreaming or talking to a passenger
Texting or using a handheld device combines all three of these.
Pro Tip While not the case in the whole state, it is illegal to use a handheld device when driving in the cities of Detroit or Battle Creek.
What are the penalties for texting and driving in Michigan?
The penalties for breaking the distracted driving law are typically fines. Unlike some other states, Michigan usually won’t issue you any points on your license. A first offense is $100, and second and subsequent ones are $200.
If you have a Level 1 or 2 license and get caught texting and driving, it can be up to a $240 fine and is considered a civil offense. You may also receive points on your license.
Offense | Fine | Details |
|---|---|---|
First offense | $100 | No points (unless a bus or commercial vehicle driver) |
Subsequent offenses | $200 | No points (unless a bus or commercial vehicle driver) |
First offense if Level 1 or 2 license holder | $240 | Civil offense with potential for points |
While Michigan doesn’t typically issue points for texting and driving, the state does issue points for
careless
or reckless driving
. Depending on the circumstances and who’s writing the ticket, a texting and driving scenario could potentially be interpreted as careless or reckless—which would result in points on your license. Amassing 12 points on your driver’s license in Michigan can result in the suspension of your driving privileges.
Pro Tip Michigan has a pretty broad definition of distracted driving. This can sometimes even include talking to other passengers, so be aware and be alert.
Are there exceptions to Michigan’s texting and driving law?
Yes. Michigan law does recognize some instances when it’s okay to use a cell phone or text while driving. These reasons include:
- Reporting a situation where you feel your safety is in danger
- Reporting a road hazard, traffic accident, or medical emergency
- Reporting or preventing a serious criminal act against you or another person
- An individual performing the duties of a law enforcement officer, emergency vehicle operator, or fire department member
Sources disagree whether it’s okay to text while at a red light in Michigan. Considering the risks involved, it’s best to skip checking your messages until you’re at your destination.
Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers?
Yes. If you are under eighteen or have a Level 1 or 2 license you are not permitted to use your phone at all while driving—even in hands-free mode.
Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?
Yes. If you get caught texting and driving, you might be on the hook for more than just the cost of the ticket.
A ticket for texting and driving counts the same as a ticket for any other minor traffic infraction. Since Michigan typically doesn’t add points to your license just for texting and driving, it’s unlikely that your insurance company will find out if it’s your first offense.
But if they do find out—or if you are cited for anything in addition to texting and driving—expect your premiums to rise. A Michigan driver with a clean record will pay about $1,960 annually for
car insurance
. After a texting and driving citation, that rate leaps to $2,478. That’s an increase of $518. To make matters worse, you can say goodbye to a
safe driver discount
on your insurance. It’s not worth any of the risks, financial or otherwise. Save your texting (or your phone calls) until you’re not behind the wheel. “I was struggling to find an affordable deal in Detroit because insurance here is so expensive. Working withJerry, filling out the information is painless, and I connected with an agent to talk about specific plans. I definitely could not have found a better deal without Jerry!” —Marlin M.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Can you go to jail for texting and driving in Michigan?
No. Unless your texting or unlawful use of a handheld device leads to something more serious (such as vehicular homicide), you cannot be jailed merely for violating the distracted driving laws.
How serious is texting and driving?
Very! Cell phone usage is associated with 10% of Michigan’s distracted driving incidents. A recent study by the Office of Highway Safety and Planning found that 41% of young adults admit to regularly sending texts or emails while driving.
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