A new Michigan law prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone while driving a car.
According to MichiganVotes.org, Senate Bill 756 applies to any driver with a temporary drivers permit or a level 1 or 2 graduated license—meaning any driver under the age of 17. The law, building on current texting and driving laws, makes it a civil infraction for a teen to use a hands-on cell phone.
Dubbed "Kelsey's Law," the legislation is named for a 17-year-old Sault Ste. Marie girl who died in a car crash in 2010 while she was using her cell phone.
Snyder signed the bill into law Tuesday, according to the Detroit News.
The law passed 74-33 in the House of Representatives and 28-10 in the Senate.
Senator Vincent Gregory and State Representative Ellen Cogen Lipton, whose districts include Ferndale, both supported the legislation, according to MichiganVotes.org.
Because violation of the law is a civil infraction, it is up to local municipalities to determine the fine.
The legislation adds to state driving laws that prohibit texting while driving. Ferndale City Council also passed a ban on texting and driving last year.
In Michigan last year, drivers were reported to be distracted in 3,986 crashes, and using cell phones in 821 crashes.
