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Text Messaging While Driving Is Against The Law

 

Michigan House Bill 4394 - As expected Governor Jennifer Granholm signed Michigan House Bill 4394 into law on April 30, 2010.

The new law prohibits drivers from reading, writing and sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle.

Specifically the bill states:

"A person shall not read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless 2-way communication device that is located in the person's hand or in the person's lap, including a wireless telephone used in cellular telephone service or personal communication service, while operating a motor vehicle that is moving on a highway or street in this state. "

There are exceptions for law enforcement and emergency situations.

An individual who violates this law is responsible for a civil infraction and shall be ordered to pay a civil fine as follows:

(a) For a first violation, $100.00.
(b) For a second or subsequent violation, $200.00.

This bill was passed as a primary offense, which means a person could be pulled over and ticketed based on the text messaging offense alone.

This act takes effect July 1, 2010.