Oakland Township-Lake Orion Patch Readers Sound Off on 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 Thursday.

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 legislation was named for a 17-year-old Sault Ste. Marie girl who died in a car crash in 2010 while she was using her cell phone.

Readers of the Oakland Township-Lake Orion Patch Facebook page were asked about their thoughts of law. Here are some of the responses:

• Lisa Taddiken: Considering that no driver should be using a cell phone, most definitely yes!
• Roberta Baldwin Rutz: How about ALL of us not use the phone while driving! Pull over if it's that important.
• Monika Bernhardt: I agree! That should be the rule for everyone! And it is the rule in most countries in Europe already.

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.