This bill would make playing a game or entering data while driving a secondary offense, meaning that a police officer could not pull you over for this offense but could cite you if you were pulled over for a different reason. This bill is in the Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee.

Below is Sen. Thomas' press release on the bill:

Thomas Bill To Prohibit Texting While Driving

LANSING—Citing the fact that distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in an automobile accident, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) introduced a bill today that would prohibit playing a game, or entering data, while driving.

“There is no question that texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving,” Thomas said. “There is no need to text or play games while driving, especially when it endangers the life of every other driver on the road.”

According to the a recent Harris poll, nine out of ten American adults believe that sending text messages or emails while driving is distracting, dangerous, and should be outlawed. The State of Washington passed the nation's first ban on texting while driving in May of 2007 and at least ten other states are considering similar legislation.

The penalty for texting or playing video games while driving would be a misdemeanor and a $100 fine. It would also be a secondary offense, which means that law enforcement would not be able to stop someone for the offense but would only be able to ticket them if they are already pulled over. The bill would allow drivers to text in the case of an emergency or when their vehicle is stopped at a light or a stop sign.

“No one would argue that a distracted driver is a dangerous driver,” Thomas said. “And no one would argue that there is no need to text or play games while driving.”

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