Dearborn Residents Discuss New Teen Cell Phone Law

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 today.

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.

The Dearborn City Council passed an amendment to its Traffic and Motor Vehicle section of the city ordinance on March 19. According to the ordinance, indivduals with a level 1 or 2 graduated license cannot use a telephone while operating a vehicle on a highway or street in Dearborn.

The ordinance includes initiating calls, answering calls, or otherwise "engaging in verbal communication through a cellular phone."

Sgt. Steve White of the Dearborn Police Department's Traffic Services Division, said officers are still waiting for clarification about the ordinance before enforcement begins.

"The language in the ordinance doesn't specifically address texting or using a hands-free device," White said.

The penalty for using a cell phone while driving in the city has not yet been determined, he said.

According to the ordinance, cell phones can be used to report an accident, medical emergency, or road hazard; report a situation if the driver feels his or her personal safety is at risk; or report or prevent a criminal act from taking place.

Dearborn Councilwoman Nancy Hubbard said she supports the ordinance, citing the proliferation of accidents caused by distracted driving in Michigan.

"I think (the law) is a good idea and should be enforced," she said. "The police should crackdown on the area of Monroe and Telegraph. I see at least three people on cell phones driving on that stretch of road every day."

Dearborn resident Karent Mauti said that while the law is a step in the right direction, she feels it will not be enforceable.

"We'll have to hire more officers to monitor people as they drive. While I agree its a great idea to curtail phone use, I can see that enforcing it will not be easy," she wrote on Dearborn Patch's Facebook page.

Fellow resident Lisa Osborne said she would like to see the law expanded to include all drivers.

"It's a distraction to all drivers, even just talking to others," she said. "Why not make it illegal for everyone to be off cellphones while driving?"

Join the conversation: Tell us what you think about the new law by leaving us a comment in the discussion section below this article.

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