01-04-2025
Statewide campaign aims to crack down on distracted driving
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Police agencies across the state are participating in a campaign this month to enforce the hands-free law and crack down on distracted driving.
It's part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, the goal of the campaign is to reduce distracted driving crashes and keep the roads safe.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office — one of dozens of participating agencies — says it is adding extra deputies to patrols with a special focus on distracted driving.
'We want people to make it home safely. We are going to be out proactively enforcing this law to help keep our roads safe, which includes writing citations to those driving distracted,' stated Sgt. Scott Dietrich with the sheriff's office.
Michigan's hands-free law took effect in 2023. Under , drivers can't hold a phone or any other device, and they can't use their hands to operate a dashboard-mounted device beyond a single touch. The hands-free law isn't just about texting and driving — it also applies to activities like using a navigation system, scrolling social media and making calls.
The first violation can lead to a $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service, while the second violation can yield a $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service. Drivers who have three offenses within a three-year period will have to take a driving improvement course.
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