Question by bcrazy10: Is there a law in Michigan that says I have to mount a GPS to use it?
I recently got pulled over by a cop who thought I was texting, but when I showed him I was using my GPS, he said it was the same as texting, and since it wasn’t mounted, gave me a $ 200 ticket anyway! And when I tried to fit it in court, the Magistrate took his side and told me I was guilty and needed to pay the ticket fine still. But according to the law he read about texting and driving, using a GPS while driving is not the same! Here is the law:
“Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless 2-way communication device that is located in the person’s hand or in the person’s lap, including a wireless telephone used in cellular telephone service or personal communication service, while operating a motor vehicle that is moving on a highway or street in this state. As used in this subsection, a wireless 2-way communication device does not include a global positioning or navigation system that is affixed to the motor vehicle.” (Section 257.602b)
I am planning on appealing the Magistrate’s decision, but I wanted to make sure there was no law saying that I HAVE to mount my GPS for use. I was unable to find anything, and was wondering if anyone else knew of anything like that, or have anything that might help!
“..shall not read, manually type, or send a TEXT message on a wireless 2-way communication device..” A TomTom does not get or send text messages, so I really do not think this law applies at all!
Best answer:
Answer by Neil
“…that is affixed to the motor vehicle.”
So apparently, it does not have to be mounted, but it DOES have to be mounted to qualify for the exemption.
Looks like if it was “located in the person’s hand or in the person’s lap” you are in violation.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
