Michigan Hands-Free Law Applies Even at Stoplights

Every Michigan driver eventually faces the same moral dilemma: How long should you wait before honking at the person sitting through a green light because they are studying their phone and not paying attention to the world, or the clearly green light in front of them?

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The second moral dilemma: How long do you honk your horn to get their attention? One polite tap? A firm two-second blast? Or do you simply walk up, ask them to move over, and drive the car through the light yourself?

While you debate horn etiquette, remember this: Michigan's Hands-Free Law applies even when a vehicle is stopped at a red light, stop sign, or in traffic. Being motionless does not magically turn your driver's seat into your living room.

What Michigan Drivers Cannot Do

black iphone 4 on car seat

Under Michigan's Hands-Free Law, drivers cannot hold or manually use a phone or other mobile electronic device to make calls, send or read messages, watch or record videos, browse social media, or use other apps.

If you're thinking you've found a loophole, you haven't. In Michigan, mounted phones fall under the law as well, allowing no more than a single touch. So voice commands, Bluetooth, and built-in vehicle systems are safer options. Emergency calls or messages to 911 are allowed, and regular phone use is legal once the vehicle is properly parked. Because this is a primary offense, police may stop a driver specifically for violating this law. Yes, even at stoplights.

Michigan Hands-Free Law Fines

A traffic light that is on a pole

According to the Michigan State Police (MSP), the first violation carries a $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service. Later violations bring a $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service. Three violations in three years require a driver-improvement course, and fines double when a distracted driver causes a crash.

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Please... put the phone down. The rest of us would like to get through Michigan's longest stoplights sometime before retirement.