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State Rep. Joe Bellino, of Monroe, stands before the House to deliver a floor speech on his distracted driving bill.

Rep. Bellino’s plan for distracted driving reform passes the House
RELEASE|January 26, 2022

The state House this week approved a common-sense plan introduced by Rep. Joe Bellino to better protect lives on Michigan roadways by prohibiting people from using hand-held smart phones while driving.

In 2019, the latest year for which data is available, 3,142 Americans were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. An estimated 400,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

“Time and time again, we see tragic automobile accidents due to distracted drivers – oftentimes due to cell phone use,” said Bellino, of Monroe. “Distracted driving reform is clearly needed in our state. It’s time to change the culture of driving.”

House Bills 4277-4279 prohibit drivers from using a hand-held mobile device while driving. HB 4277 amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to update the penalties for using electronic devices while driving. HB 4279, introduced by Bellino, imposes civil infractions upon guilty individuals.

“A lot of people equate using your phone while driving to refusing to wear your seatbelt, which is coincidentally something we actually do penalize, but this analogy doesn’t fit,” Bellino said. “Driving without your seatbelt endangers the person who has made that choice, but using your phone while driving endangers everyone on the road around them. You are risking the lives of those that cannot consent to the risk you are putting on them, simply because you want to check your emails or update your shopping list before you get to the store.”

Currently, the Michigan Vehicle Code provides that a person may not read, manually type, or send text messages on a wireless two-way communication device located in the person’s hand or lap. Michigan law penalizes individuals caught texting and driving with a civil infraction and a civil fine of $100 for a first-time violation, and $200 for a second or subsequent violation.

“For years now, hands-free driving legislation has been needed in our state,” Bellino said. “It’s time to make it happen.”

The package now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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