RESTRICT HAND-HELD CELLULAR TELEPHONES WHILE DRIVING
House Bill 5015
Sponsor: Rep. Ruth Johnson
Committee: Transportation
Complete to 7-12-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5015 AS INTRODUCED 7-10-01
House Bill 5015 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify that the use of hand-held cellular telephoned while driving would be a civil infraction.
Currently under the law, a driver who operates a vehicle in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property (but without wantonness or recklessness) is responsible for a civil infraction. Under the bill, "careless or negligent manner" would include the use of a hand-held cellular telephone that prevented the person from having both hands on the steering wheel of the vehicle while operating the vehicle except when necessary to dial a number.
MCL 257.626b
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.