TEEN DRIVERS & CELL PHONES H.B. 5133 (H-2): COMMITTEE SUMMARY
House Bill 5133 (Substitute H-2 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative David Law
House Committee: Judiciary
Senate Committee: Technology and Energy
Date Completed: 11-9-05
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prohibit a person younger than 18 from operating a motor vehicle while using an interactive wireless communication device, except in an emergency. A person who violated the prohibition would be responsible for a civil infraction and subject to a $50 civil fine.
Under the bill, a local authority could not adopt, enact, or enforce a local law that expanded on the prohibition.
The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
MCL 257.605 et al. Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would result in additional revenue to the State and local units of government. Creating a new civil infraction for individuals under 18 would result in additional fine revenue, courts costs, and Justice System Fund assessments. Fine revenue from civil infractions under the Michigan Vehicle Code would be allocated to public libraries. Fines resulting from citations for violations of corresponding local ordinances are shared between the local unit of government and the court funding unit. The Insurance Institute of Michigan reports that there are 272,976 drivers under the age of 18 in Michigan.
Fiscal Analyst: Stephanie Yu
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. hb5133/0506