Cell phone law — Michigan Permit Test

Michigan's general cell phone law prohibits all drivers from holding or using a mobile electronic device, such as a phone or tablet, while driving on a public road.

The law covers every driver, not just teens, because a phone in the hand distracts anyone.

Michigan’s general cell phone law (MCL 257.602b) prohibits all drivers from using a cell phone while driving.

Under the cell phone law you may not view, record or transmit a video while driving.

Watching or filming a video means looking at a screen instead of the road.

Viewing, recording, or transmitting a video.

Under the cell phone law you may not access, read or post to a social networking site while driving.

Social media pulls your eyes and attention to a screen for long stretches.

Accessing, reading, or posting to a social networking site.

Any driver may use a mobile device to text 9-1-1 or call police, fire or a health-care provider to report a crash, a medical emergency, a serious road hazard or a crime.

Getting help to people in danger matters more than the risk of a short emergency call.

Drivers (including all teens) are allowed to use a mobile device while driving to text 9-1-1 or call a law enforcement agency, health-care provider, fire department, or other emergency service to report:

A driver may use a phone's GPS or navigation feature as long as information is not entered by hand.

Listening to directions is fine; typing in an address while moving is not.

A global positioning system (GPS) or navigation feature as long as information is not entered by hand.

A driver may use a device in voice-operated or hands-free mode, pressing or tapping a single button to activate a function or select a name or number.

A single tap is over in an instant. Holding the phone and typing is not.

Pressing, tapping, or swiping a single button to activate or deactivate a function of the device or to select a name or phone number.

A device such as a dash cam, used to continuously record or broadcast video inside or outside the vehicle, is allowed.

A dash cam runs on its own and needs no attention while you drive.

A device, such as a ‘dash cam,’ used specifically to continuously record or broadcast video inside or outside of the motor vehicle.

Teens with a GDL Level 3 license, and all other drivers, may use a mobile device only within the general cell phone law's limits.

Once a teen reaches Level 3, the same phone rules apply to them as to adults.

Under the general cell phone law, teens with a GDL 3 and all other drivers are allowed to use a mobile device within the following parameters:

Who does Michigan's general cell phone law apply to?

Every driver on a public road. The law covers every driver, not just teens, because a phone in the hand distracts anyone. What Every Driver Must Know, p.24: “Michigan’s general cell phone law (MCL 257.602b) prohibits all drivers from using a cell phone while driving.”