Michigan “Hands Free” has gone into effect as of Friday, June 30, 2023.

Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on your dashboard or connected to your vehicle’s built-in system, you cannot use your hands to operate it beyond a single touch.

As a result, you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving.

• Make or answer a telephone or video call
• Send or read a text or email message
• Watch, record or send a video
• Access, read or post to social media
• Browse or use the internet
• Enter information into GPS or a navigation system

The law makes holding or manually using a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle a primary offense — which means an officer can stop and ticket drivers for this violation.

Hope College has updated the Distracted Driver Policy. Find more information on the Michigan Hands Free law at the Michigan State Police website.