State Police, Bay County Sheriff's Office Collaborate on Hands-Free Enforcement Day

MSP Patrol Car outside Tri-City Post (WSGW)

Michigan State Police and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office collaborated for a one day long enforcement initiative focused on Michigan’s new hands-free distracted driving law.

For around 8 hours on Wednesday, October 18th troopers and deputies in both marked and unmarked vehicles were on the lookout for drivers using electronic devices while driving along M-13.

MSP says 57 stops were made in that time, with 14 verbal warnings and 30 citations given out. MSP says each citation can result in a 100 dollar fine and/or up to 16 hours of community service for the first offense, and further offenses or offenses resulting in an accident have harsher penalties.

Officials say similar initiatives will occasional be run throughout the region to promote safer driving habits and educate drivers.