Michigan Truck Driver Phone Law

Federal 392.82 already bars you from holding a phone in Michigan — it rides with your CDL. Michigan now bans hand-held use for every driver too (MCL 257.602b), primary enforcement since June 30, 2023, and it counts even while you're stopped at a light or stuck in traffic. First offense is $100 or 16 hours community service, $250 for a second, and the fine doubles if you cause a crash. Built-in dash systems and one-touch/voice are the only outs.

State rule (all drivers)Hand-held ban — all drivers

First-offense fineFirst offense $100 or 16 hours community service; second or later $250 or 24 hours; any fine doubles if you're at fault in a crash

License pointsNo license points on a first offense; a second or later conviction adds points, and three violations within 3 years forces a driver-improvement course

StatuteMCL 257.602b

01 The federal floor

The federal ban applies here first

Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).

02 What Michigan adds

Michigan’s rule for all drivers

Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
Texting: Hand-held use banned for all drivers (MCL 257.602b), primary enforcement since June 30, 2023; the officer can stop you for phone use alone.
Fine: First offense $100 or 16 hours community service; second or later $250 or 24 hours; any fine doubles if you're at fault in a crash.
Points: No license points on a first offense; a second or later conviction adds points, and three violations within 3 years forces a driver-improvement course. Federally, each hold is a CSA serious violation for you and your carrier.

Michigan Truck Phone Law FAQ

Can truck drivers use a phone in Michigan?

Only hands-free. The federal FMCSA ban (49 CFR 392.82) bars every CDL driver from holding a phone in Michigan. Michigan also bans hand-held use for all drivers (MCL 257.602b).

What is the phone fine in Michigan?

First offense $100 or 16 hours community service; second or later $250 or 24 hours; any fine doubles if you're at fault in a crash.

Is texting while driving illegal in Michigan?

Hand-held use banned for all drivers (MCL 257.602b), primary enforcement since June 30, 2023; the officer can stop you for phone use alone.

Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-602b. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

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Michigan Truck Driver Phone Law

The federal ban applies here first

Michigan’s rule for all drivers

Michigan Truck Phone Law FAQ

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