Michigan Governor Signs Cellphone Ban for Novice Drivers

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation prohibiting novice drivers from using a cellphone while behind the wheel.

The bill applies to holders of Level 1 licenses, who must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or another driver at least 21 years old. It also covers Level 2 licenses, which allow driving alone with limits on hours and carrying of young passengers.

It exempts drivers with full privileges.

Snyder signed the bill Jan. 8 in Lansing and was joined by the family of Kelsey Raffaele, a 17-year-old from the Upper Peninsula who was killed in a crash while chatting on her cellphone. Her mom pushed for “Kelsey’s Law.”

Snyder says the law is “very personal” to him because he also has a daughter named Kelsey who recently got her driver’s license.