Were You Targeted in Michigan’s ‘Operation Ghost Rider?’

In late 2023, Michigan passed a new law that will crack down on distracted driving. It completely bans the use of mobile devices by drivers of vehicles, and went into effect earlier this year.

Now, Michigan authorities are beginning to crack down on distracted drivers, and on Monday, executed "Operation Ghost Rider." Did you get targeted?

Get our free mobile app

Monday's operation included dozens of officers at all levels of law enforcement on the lookout for distracted drivers on their phones. Unmarked "spotter" vehicles were parked in strategic locations, and if the officer inside noticed a driver on their phone, they would alert another officer.

Drivers who are caught on their phones could face a number of consequences:

• First Violation - $100 fine and/or 16 hours Community Service
• Second Violation - $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service
• Third Violation - Completing a driving-improvement course if third violation happens within three years

In addition, if the distracted driver does cause an accident, the fine could double, and they would face at-fault consequences.

How Many Tickets Were Issued?

It's unclear how many people were caught during "Operation Ghost Rider," but so far, since the new distracted driver law went into effect, the State of Michigan claims that thousands of individuals have been ticketed.

Specifically, law enforcement says the majority of tickets have been administered in the metro Detroit area.

The law now states that handheld devices cannot be used by the driver of a vehicle, however there are a few hands-free exceptions, including HUDs in more modern vehicles, and Bluetooth devices that allow the driver to keep both hands free to safely drive.