Michigan Police Crack Down on Distracted Driving in April

Over 100 agencies join statewide enforcement effort to enforce hands-free law

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Michigan police agencies are teaming up with the state's Office of Highway Safety Planning for a high-visibility enforcement campaign targeting distracted driving during the month of April. Over 100 law enforcement agencies are participating, strictly enforcing the state's hands-free law that went into effect in 2023. First-time violators face a $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service.

Why it matters

Distracted driving remains a major public safety issue, with mobile device use by drivers increasing in recent years. This enforcement campaign aims to crack down on the dangerous behavior and raise awareness about the hands-free law to improve road safety across Michigan.

The details

The enforcement effort will see police agencies across Eaton, Ingham, Clinton, and Jackson counties conducting targeted patrols and issuing citations to drivers found violating the hands-free law. The overtime costs for this campaign are federally funded. Under the law, drivers are prohibited from holding a cell phone anywhere on their body while operating a vehicle.

  • The enforcement campaign will run throughout the month of April, which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
  • Michigan's hands-free driving law went into effect in June 2023.

The players

Alicia Sledge

Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, which is coordinating the statewide enforcement effort.

Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning

A state agency that works to improve road safety, providing funding and coordination for law enforcement campaigns targeting dangerous driving behaviors.

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What they’re saying

“There definitely will be more officers out there during this time period.”

— Alicia Sledge, Director, Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning

“No holding of cell phones anywhere on your arm, your shoulder, or in your hand.”

— Alicia Sledge, Director, Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning

What’s next

The enforcement campaign will continue through the end of April, after which police agencies may evaluate the results and determine if further action is needed to address distracted driving in Michigan.

The takeaway

This crackdown on distracted driving in Michigan highlights the ongoing challenges posed by mobile device use behind the wheel, even after the implementation of hands-free laws. Sustained enforcement and public awareness efforts will be crucial to changing driver behavior and improving road safety.