Violating Michigan’s ‘One Touch’ Law Means Big Fines

If you are among the many who are still holding their phone while driving in Michigan, congratulations, you're officially living dangerously and, potentially, expensively. Based on the number of people you see with phones in hand while driving, it seems many aren't aware of Michigan's Hands-Free Law.

RELATED: 5 Things Michigan Police Instantly Notice During Traffic Stops

What Michigan’s Hands-Free Law Actually Bans

You see, back in 2023, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a new law, which can be summarized as: drive your car, not your phone. Holding, cradling, balancing, or otherwise fondling your device while driving is a no-go. Hands, arms, shoulders, knees, hopes, dreams, none of it should be in contact with your phone while behind the wheel.

The One Touch Rule Explained

And yes, even if your phone is mounted nicely like a little digital altar on your dashboard, you still only get one touch. One. Not scrolling, not typing an address, not checking if Tina replied in the group chat.

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Michigan Hands Free Law Fines and Penalties

Think you can afford a couple of points on your license? Michigan Auto Law reports here's where it starts to sting your wallet instead of your pride:

• First Violation - $100 fine or 16 hours of community service. That's two whole workdays devoted to regretting a text.
• Second or Subsequent Violation - $250 fine or 24 hours of community service. At this point, your phone bill is cheaper than your bad decisions.
• Three Violations Within Three Years - Mandatory driving improvement course. Think of spending hours and hours with the folks you wait in line with at the Michigan Secretary of State.

And if you cause a crash while holding your phone? Congrats again. Any civil fines get doubled because Michigan believes in lessons learned via consequences.

RELATED: 9 of Michigan's Most Wanted Felons: Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan

Why Distracted Driving Is Treated So Seriously

Texting hits all three distraction types classified by Michigan law enforcement: eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and brain off reality. According to the Secretary of State, studies show distracted driving is right up there with drunk driving in terms of danger, which is not the leaderboard you want to be on top of. Bottom line: put the phone down. Michigan roads are chaotic enough without a driver live-tweeting.