Lawmakers Proposing Michigan as 15th State to Ban Driving While Holding Phone

Lawmakers are proposing to make Michigan the 15th state to ban driving while holding a hand held phone.

Nearly 12,800 crashes in Michigan last year involved distracted driving, a 70 percent spike from 2015, and more than double the 5,350 crashes in 2014.

According to the Associated Press, the fine for an initial violation would jump from $100 to $250.  A second violation would cost the driver $500 instead of $200 and add a point to their license.

A third infraction would bring two more points.  The new ban would apply regardless of whether a motorist is stopped at a traffic light.

The law now prohibits texting while operating a vehicle that is moving on a highway or street.