BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — State law already prohibits texting while driving, but the City of Battle Creek has a new ordinance that prohibits broader uses of a hand-held cell phone and police will enforce it.
According to a release from the city, the City Commission approved the new rules related to distracted driving and changed the city's traffic code back in February.
The ordinance prohibits hand-held cell phone use while driving a vehicle for almost any reason, including scrolling, typing, and speaking. The rules are in effect within city limits and crews posted signage at the city entry points to alert drivers of the new law.
Police did not issue tickets for using phones while driving before the signs went up, but with the signage posted, that will change. But, Police Chief Jim Blocker does not expect an abundance of tickets to be issued.
“Although enforceable, we anticipate more educational opportunities than enforcement actions in this first year,” Blocker said earlier this year. “There is a shared responsibility on our part to get the message out – and this works well with the state law – that distracted driving is not safe driving.”
Exceptions to the law are radio operators licensed by the FCC; police officers, fire department personnel, law enforcement officers and others driving emergency vehicles while performing their official jobs; and anyone reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency or serious road hazard.
Find more information on the city's website at battlecreekmi.gov/faq.
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