📵 Michigan’s No-Touch Driving Law: What You Need to Know in 2025

Michigan introduced its no-touch driving law on June 30, 2023. The law bans drivers from holding or touching a mobile device while behind the wheel or even when stopped at a red light or stop sign. Law enforcement can pull you over solely for this, making it a primary offense.

🚗 No Holding Allowed: no calls, texts, videos, or social media;

✅ Hands-Free Only: use voice control or a single tap on a mounted device.

🚨 Primary Offense: police can stop you for no-touch alone;

💸 Fines & Penalties: 1st: $100/16 hr, 2nd: $250 + point, 3rd+: driver improvement courses + points.

1. What the Law Covers

You cannot hold or support your phone using hands, arms, or shoulders—no calling, texting, video, or social media, even at stoplights. You must place your device in a secure mount and operate it solely with voice commands or a single tap to use it legally.

2. Penalties & Fines

Michigan enforces strict penalties. A first offense carries a $100 fine or 16 hours of community service. A second offense leads to $250 plus one license point. A third offense within three years adds driver improvement courses and two more points. Commercial and school bus drivers face higher penalties: $200–$500 fines and additional service hours. Crashes that occur while a driver is holding a device result in double the civil fines.

3. Who Is Exempt

Law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs may use devices while on duty. Emergency calls or texts to 911 are permitted. Otherwise, all device use for navigation, music, and calls must be hands-free only.

4. Michigan vs. Other States

As of 2025, 31 states now enforce no-touch or hands-free driving laws, prohibiting handheld device use while driving—even when stopped. For a full comparison, check the GHSA distracted-driving overview.

5. Insurance & Driver Impact

Driving hands-free keeps you alert, reduces accidents, and protects your driving record. Clean records often earn lower insurance rates and safe-driver discounts. Learn more in our 2025 Michigan Auto Insurance Requirements.

6. Safety Tips to Stay Compliant

• Install a secure phone mount and enable voice controls before driving.
• Turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving” on your phone.
• Silence notifications before starting your trip.
• Pre-plan your route and playlists before hitting the road.
• If you need to text or call, safely pull over before doing so.