Politics & Government

Huntington Woods-Berkley Patch Readers Sound Off on New Teen Cell Phone Law

Teenagers with a temporary driver's permit, or a level 1 or 2 graduated license, will be prohibited from using a cell phone while driving a car under a law that takes effect Thursday.

A new Michigan law, known as "Kelsey's Law" which prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone while driving a car, goes into to effect Thursday.

According to the bill signed into law earlier this year, if any driver with a temporary drivers permit or a level 1 or 2 graduated license – meaning any driver under the age of 17 – is stopped for a moving violation, he or she could be cited with a civil infraction for using a cell phone. 

Because the violation is a civil infraction, local municipalities will determine the fine.

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The legislation was 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.

Readers of the Huntington Woods-Berkley Patch Facebook page were asked about their thoughts of law. Here are some of the responses:

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  • Sheri Zayler Gallagher: Absolutely! NO ONE should use their phone while driving. Set a good example folks. Our kids learn from us.
  • Colette MacDonald Nutton: Of course, but probably should be for everyone. It's a start.
  • Kelley Smith: I love it! And I agree with Sheri...let's start setting better examples for our kids. I am always appalled at how many parents I see texting while they are dropping off kids at school. With all the congestion our neighborhood schools see, why in the world would anyone think texting while 400 kids are out and about is a good idea???
  • Frank Malek: It's a very simple common sense thing.....PAY attention while driving, period!! We didn't have cell phones 20 years ago!! If it's that important, get off the road & do your whatever. Save lives, save our children, STAY OFF the phone while operating a motor vehicle!!
  • Gina Brunini-Smith: I agree totally....but it's like Shelby Township's NO CELLPHONE USE WHILE DRIVING....it's not working......

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


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