In just a year, Michigan State Police write up 6,719 motorists for distracted driving

Michigan State Police have given 6,719 warnings or citations under the state’s new distracted driving law in just over a year.

Of that number, 3,663 were citations and 3,056 were warnings, according to information released in response to an open records request.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the state’s distracted driving law in June 2023. The law restricts cellphone use while driving, limiting it to hands-free use and 911 calls.

Drivers can tap a phone once and use headphones. But they can’t watch videos, use social media, or hold their phones.

A first-time violation is punishable by a $100 civil fine, 16 hours of community service, or both. For a subsequent violation, the driver must pay a $250 civil fine, perform 24 hours of community service, or do both. If an individual receives three or more civil infractions within three years, a court can order the person to complete a basic driver improvement course.

A civil fine doubles if, while violating the above rules, the individual was involved in an at-fault accident.

The law aims to reduce fatal car accidents and injuries. Each year since 2000, more than 1,000 people have died on Michigan roadways.

A report from Michigan State Police shows car crashes by county in 2023. Wayne County had the most, with more than 51,000.

State police say there were 16,543 motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2021, and 59 of those crashes resulted in a fatality.