Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Partner Madelaine Lane was interviewed by Fox2 Detroit on the new Michigan driving law that forbids holding phones while driving. This new law takes effect June 30, 2023, and specifically states that drivers may not hold or touch cell phones with their hands, arms or shoulders while driving.
Along with Lane, Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wrigglesworth provided insight into the law. “You will no longer even when stopped at a red light, be able to pick up your phone and do anything on it,” he said.
Defense attorney Lane says unless it is an absolute emergency situation where you need to call 911, then any use is not allowed.
“(The) wording of the statue is that you can use a mobile device in hands-free mode to the extent that when you’re manipulating it’s a swipe or a tap,” Lane said. Meaning “hands-free” is your phone connected to your car or in a holster. That also applies to GPS.
Lane provides tips to drivers that will help them be compliant and avoid the penalties and community service hours that are tied to the new law. The first penalty is $100 and/or 16 hours of community service and a point added to your driver’s license. The second penalty is $250 and/or 24 hours of community service. If caught a third time within a three-year span, drivers will have to take a driving course in addition to fines and community service.
Read or watch the full Fox2 Detroit article “No touching your phone while driving: New law starts June 30 here.
An accomplished white collar criminal defense attorney, Lane assists clients with the right guidance just when they need it – from complex civil investigations involving high-volume documents and high-risk publicity, to responding to discovery requests and conducting internal investigations, to creating convincing litigation strategies and leading a persuasive criminal defense at trial. She has extensive experience working in several sectors, including higher education, automotive, health care, finance and agriculture, among others. Lane is a member of Warner’s White Collar Criminal Defense Practice Group and co-chair of the firm’s Data Analytics and eDiscovery Practice Group. Learn more about her practice here.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
# # #
