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Michigan has two phone laws that matter to new drivers. Kelsey’s Law bans Level 1 and Level 2 graduated license holders from using a cell phone while driving at all. The hands-free law, in effect since June 30, 2023, bans every driver from holding or manually using a phone or other mobile device. This page explains what each one allows, the penalties and how they affect a teen’s record.
Kelsey’s Law vs the hands-free law at a glance
| Kelsey’s Law (MCL 257.602c) | Hands-free law (MCL 257.602b) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it covers | Level 1 and Level 2 GDL drivers | All drivers |
| What it bans | Using a cell phone while driving: starting a call, answering a call, or listening to or taking part in a conversation on it | Holding a device, or manually using it, while driving |
| Hands-free calls | Not a way around the ban: the ban covers calls, not just handheld calls | Allowed if you use only limited one-touch actions |
| Type of offense | Civil infraction | Civil infraction |
| Points | None, according to the Michigan State Police | None for a first offense; 1 for a second; 2 for a third or later |
What Kelsey’s Law means for Level 1 and Level 2 drivers
If you hold a Level 1 Learner’s License or a Level 2 Intermediate License, you may not use a cell phone while driving on a Michigan street or highway. “Use” in the law means starting a call, answering a call, or listening to or taking part in a voice conversation on the phone. The ban sits on top of the hands-free law, so texting, scrolling and holding the phone are also off limits.
Emergency exceptions. You may use the phone to report:
- a traffic crash, medical emergency or serious road hazard
- a situation where your personal safety is in danger
- a crime, or to prevent one
Built-in voice systems. Official sources disagree on whether a voice-operated system built into the car is allowed. A Michigan State Police flyer lists it as an exception, while the State Police FAQ says the current law bans it. Until this is clear, the safe choice is not to make or take calls at all while you hold a Level 1 or Level 2 license.
Penalty. A violation is a civil infraction. The State Police say no points are added, and that fees on the ticket can be up to $240. The court sets the final amount.
Once you reach a Level 3 license, Kelsey’s Law no longer applies, but the hands-free law does. The stages are explained in Michigan graduated licensing Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Michigan’s hands-free law for all drivers
While driving, you may not hold a mobile electronic device, which includes phones and tablets. “Hold” means supporting it with any part of your hands, arms or shoulders. You also may not use it by hand to call, text, browse, watch or record video, or use apps.
Adults can use a device hands-free when they only need a single tap, swipe or button press to start or end a function, for example with the phone in a mount. Emergency calls are allowed.
Hands-free law penalties
| Offense | Fine or community service | Points |
|---|---|---|
| First | $100, or 16 hours of community service, or both | 0 |
| Second or later | $250, or 24 hours of community service, or both | 1 for a second, 2 for a third or later |
| At fault in a crash while breaking the law | The fine is doubled | As above |
| 3 or more violations within 3 years | The court must order a basic driver improvement course | As above |
Court costs are added on top. Check the current total with the court that handles the ticket.
Why a phone ticket matters more for a teen
- Moving to Level 2 requires a clean record, with no violations or at-fault crashes in the 90 days before you apply.
- Moving to Level 3 requires 12 months in a row with no moving violations, at-fault crashes, license suspensions or GDL restriction violations.
- Any points count toward the totals that can trigger a Secretary of State reexamination. See Michigan point system and young driver rules.
Scenario: what is legal for a Level 2 driver?
- Phone in a mount, music already playing: fine, as long as you do not touch it to scroll or pick songs while moving.
- Friend calls, you tap “answer” on the mount: breaks Kelsey’s Law, even though an adult could do it.
- You see a crash and call 911: allowed under both laws.
- Checking a text at a red light: breaks the hands-free law. Stopping in traffic still counts as driving.
Common questions
Does Kelsey’s Law ban hands-free calls?
Yes. It bans Level 1 and Level 2 drivers from making, answering or taking part in calls, not only handheld use. Official sources disagree about built-in car voice systems, so avoid calls entirely.
Does a Kelsey’s Law ticket add points?
The Michigan State Police say no points are assessed. A hands-free law ticket can add points from the second offense.
Can I use my phone for GPS as a teen in Michigan?
Only hands-free. Set the route before you move and do not hold or type on the phone while driving.
When did Michigan’s hands-free law start?
June 30, 2023.
Is a smartwatch covered?
The hands-free law covers mobile electronic devices, not only phones. Treat a watch like a phone and do not use it by hand while driving.
For other states’ rules see hands-free and texting laws for US drivers. The full Michigan process is in learning to drive in Michigan, and practice-driving tips are in the Michigan 50-hour supervised driving log.
Sources
- Michigan Legislature, “MCL Section 257.602c” (legislature.mi.gov)
- Michigan Legislature, “MCL Section 257.602b” (legislature.mi.gov)
- Michigan State Police, Office of Highway Safety Planning, “Kelsey’s Law flyer: Level 1 and Level 2 License holders under the Graduated Driver Licensing” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan State Police, “Traffic Laws FAQs” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Judicial Institute, Traffic Benchbook, “Holding or Using a Mobile Electronic Device While Driving” (courts.michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “What Every Driver Must Know”, October 2025, Chapters 2 and 4 (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Drivers under 18” FAQs (michigan.gov)