Cell phone law

jdc50 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-21-2005, 08:16 PM

A friend of my daughter in law said she has gotten two tickets for talking on her cell phone while driving. I did not know Michigan had such a law. I have seen many people driving talking on their phones including police officers. Does anyone know if there is such a law.

Thanks

MetalManMI · #2 (**permalink**) 09-21-2005, 08:19 PM

Not statewide, but there are local "distracted driving" ordinances...

jdc50 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-21-2005, 08:25 PM

Do you know any around Lansing?

MetalManMI · #4 (**permalink**) 09-21-2005, 08:43 PM

Not offhand...but these ordinances not only cover cell phone usage, but anything from fumbling around for a dropped item, eating while driving, putting on makeup, etc. Typically, they are secondary offenses rather than primary (like the seatbelt law used to be)...in other words, you have to be caught doing something else (running a stop sign, illegal lane change/usage, speeding, etc)...then you get the "distracted driving" citation on top of the primary offense citation.

n4voxgill · #5 (**permalink**) 09-21-2005, 10:42 PM

her ticket should give you the statute or ordinance number and you can track it down from there.

MacombMonitor · #6 (**permalink**) 09-21-2005, 11:14 PM

I believe Shelby Township, Michigan has such an ordanance.

seamusg · #7 (**permalink**) 09-21-2005, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalManMI

Not offhand...but these ordinances not only cover cell phone usage, but anything from fumbling around for a dropped item, eating while driving, putting on makeup, etc. Typically, they are secondary offenses rather than primary (like the seatbelt law used to be)...in other words, you have to be caught doing something else (running a stop sign, illegal lane change/usage, speeding, etc)...then you get the "distracted driving" citation on top of the primary offense citation.

I can't find the exact section of the Minchigan uniform traffic code but on page 89 of What Every Driver Must Know. it talks about it.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/wedmk_16312_7.pdf

SEMTTP · #8 (**permalink**) 09-22-2005, 01:09 PM

May not be an ordinance, but why would you talk on a cell phone and drive at the same time???? This is so stupid and I believe anyone that does talk on a cell phone while driving should be fined. You not only put your life in danger but you are more of a danger to other people on the road. Give up the cell phone, it can wait till you pull over or get stopped

Eric

Jeffn8wb · #9 (**permalink**) 09-22-2005, 02:30 PM

Eric, one could say the same thing about driving and talking on the radio. As long as driving is the first priority and the conversation second I really don't see an issue with it. But as soon as traffic starts to get heavy I would agree, pay attention and make your call later.

k8tmk · #10 (**permalink**) 09-22-2005, 03:42 PM

I don't think Berrien County has any ordinance against talking on a cell phone while driving....YET.

I do find quite often though that when I see someone driving weird, they are talking on a cell phone.

I agree with SEMTTP. I feel people need to learn that they can get through the day without talking constantly on a phone. What an annoyance in a restaurant, store, etc. when people are on the phone. It wouldn't be so bad if they were more discrete, but many of them aren't. And the walkie-talkie phones with their loud, distorted audio really irritate me.

Ramdy

N_Jay · #11 (**permalink**) 09-22-2005, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdc50

A friend of my daughter in law said she has gotten two tickets for talking on her cell phone while driving. I did not know Michigan had such a law. I have seen many people driving talking on their phones including police officers. Does anyone know if there is such a law.

Thanks

I think it is interesting that she has received TWO tickets.

I think something else is in play here.

(Sort of like the person who has had LOTS of accidents, but it is NEVER their fault.)

toydriver_det · #12 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdc50

A friend of my daughter in law said she has gotten two tickets for talking on her cell phone while driving. I did not know Michigan had such a law. I have seen many people driving talking on their phones including police officers. Does anyone know if there is such a law.

Thanks

1. There are a few cities (I think Troy is one) that will write you for cell phone use.

2. I use a cell phone and/or radio at times while driving but on the freeway it will always be in the right lane.

3. Teens do not have enough driving time under their belt to be using a cell phone at anytime the car is moving!

4. Police will do whatever they want. Madison Heights police always make rolling stops at stop signs but I don't think any officer has been written up for that yet!!!! :-)

Toydriver

Jeffn8wb · #13 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 11:30 AM

On number 4, are you talking about marked units?

MetalManMI · #14 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N_Jay

I think it is interesting that she has received TWO tickets.

I think something else is in play here.

(Sort of like the person who has had LOTS of accidents, but it is NEVER their fault.)

I suspect one was for the primary infraction and the second was the "distracted driving" ticket...all in the same stop...just guessing though...like I said, the distracted driving ticket is a secondary offense ticket...not primary.

CapnJon · #15 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 01:50 PM

GOOD!! people need to get off the road and to talk on their phones if they really have to...Might just save a life?!

N_Jay · #16 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalManMI

I suspect one was for the primary infraction and the second was the "distracted driving" ticket...all in the same stop...just guessing though...like I said, the distracted driving ticket is a secondary offense ticket...not primary.

I read it as stopped twice, but we will not know unless told.

MetalManMI · #17 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 02:50 PM

Could be...that would indicate a slow learner, eh? LOL!

N_Jay · #18 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalManMI

Could be...that would indicate a slow learner, eh? LOL!

More likely a bad driver!

toydriver_det · #19 (**permalink**) 09-24-2005, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffn8wb

On number 4, are you talking about marked units?

Yes, marked vehicles. I live right in front of a stop sign on a fire route so they cruise by all the time. I like that as it cuts down on the speeders. I don't mind the rolling stops ether, but it does set a bad example for new drivers. I was just making the point that just because you see an officer using a cell phone in a moving vechicle, in an area that outlaws that, does not mean you will get away with it.
Toydriver

jdc50 · #20 (**permalink**) 09-24-2005, 06:15 PM

Thanks for all the input. As I said I am getting this third handed so I don't have all the details. I just thought I might of missed something where the State passed a new law on cell phone usage.

By the way the tickets where two different times. Since I don't know the person it is very possible she was doing something else to cause the problem.

Thanks