What you can’t do while driving
- Hold a phone or other mobile device in your hand, or support it with your arm or shoulder.
- Manually use it: texting, typing, scrolling, browsing, using apps or social media.
- Make or take a call by hand, or watch, record or send video. A device used only to record continuously, like a dash camera, is exempt.
“Driving” includes being stopped in traffic or at a light. The law stops applying only when the vehicle is lawfully parked.
What is allowed
- Voice commands and hands-free calls, including a single tap, press or swipe to start or end a function.
- Built-in vehicle screens and controls.
- Navigation and GPS, as long as you don’t type information in by hand.
- A phone in a mount, for the uses above.
- Calling 911 or reporting a crash, fire, road hazard, crime, or a reckless or impaired driver.
Police, fire and other emergency personnel, and public utility workers, are exempt while performing official duties.
Penalties
| Violation | Fine and community service |
|---|---|
| First | $100, 16 hours of community service, or both |
| Second or later | $250, 24 hours of community service, or both |
| Three or more in three years | The court must also order a basic driver improvement course |
| You caused a crash while violating it | The fine is doubled |
Commercial truck and school bus drivers face stricter rules and higher fines: $200 for a first violation and $500 after that. Police can stop a driver for a phone violation alone, but can’t search the vehicle just because of it.
If a distracted driver hit you
A driver who was on a phone when they caused a crash was breaking the law, and phone records can show it. That evidence helps prove fault in a claim against the driver. Your own no-fault benefits are paid regardless of fault. See Michigan car accident laws.
Think the other driver was on their phone? Records can be preserved, but the sooner the better. Request a free case review or call.
Sources: MCL 257.602b (2023 PA 41). Text checked on the Michigan Legislature website, November 7, 2026.
Questions people ask us
Can I use GPS on my phone while driving in Michigan?
Yes, if the phone is not in your hand and you don’t type into it. Navigation is allowed when no information is entered by hand. A phone in a mount is fine for uses the law allows.
Can I touch my phone at all while driving?
Only to start or end a hands-free function with a single tap, press or swipe. Holding the phone, typing, scrolling or watching video is not allowed.
Is it legal to use my phone at a red light in Michigan?
No. Stopped in traffic or at a light, you are still operating the vehicle. You must be lawfully parked.
What is the fine for using a phone while driving in Michigan?
$100 or 16 hours of community service, or both, for a first violation, and $250 or 24 hours, or both, after that. The fine doubles if you caused a crash while violating the law.
