17 June

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Michigan’s Cell Phone Use and Driving-While-Texting Laws

texting while driving and phone use laws in michigan

As soon as you see those red and blue lights in your rearview mirror signaling you need to pull over, you start analyzing what you may have done wrong to cause the stop. This is especially true if you weren't speeding, you're wearing your seatbelt, and following posted traffic signs - some of the most common causes of traffic stops. What may not immediately pop into your mind, however, is a growing cause for stops: cell phone use behind the wheel. As of right now, there is no statewide hands-free law in Michigan. However, because distracted driving accidents are on...

10 June

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Understanding Your Legal Right to Protest

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Michigan Laws, WLNS 6

Protest in front of Lansing Michigan capitol building

The recent egregious deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have resulted in an enormous outpouring of emotions across the country. People want to do something to acknowledge that our criminal justice system treats Black people differently than it treats White people, and, as a result, protests have been held in every single state in the last week. Sinas Dramis Law Firm is encouraged to see people exercising their legal right to protest and bring about positive change in this country. However, certain risks are involved when attending a protest, and it's vitally important protesters understand their legal rights...

31 December

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Can Electric Scooters Ride in Bike Lanes?

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Michigan Laws

The answer is yes, and no, it all depends on where you live. While a lot of us probably assume that the best place for riding an electric scooter is in a bike lane solely based on their similar speeds, the truth isn't so straightforward. In fact, a number of Michigan municipalities have issued citations or tickets to people for doing just that. This reaction by law enforcement comes as a surprise, as this seems like the safest place for them. While some states allow it, many Michigan residents are still wondering, "can electric scooters ride in bike lanes on Michigan...

15 November

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Michigan Eavesdropping Laws – When is it Okay to Record a Conversation

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Fox 17, Michigan Laws

Editor’s Note: Our law firm does not handle cases regarding eavesdropping. We provide this information on our website because as a law firm we feel it is important to educate the public as much as we can about state law. For more resources on attorneys who may be able to help you in this area, click here. With advancements in technology and tiny computers ready to record in almost everyone's pocket, the issue of eavesdropping is becoming more and more of a concern. Tom Sinas recently discussed Michigan eavesdropping laws on Fox 17's Know the Law. What you can and can't record,...

09 July

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Michigan Boating Laws – A Comprehensive Guide

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Fox 17, Michigan Laws

When you're in Michigan, you're never more than 6 miles from an inland lake or 85 miles from one of the state's Great Lakes. With more than 11,000 lakes in the state, it's no wonder boating tops the list of favorite things to do for many Michiganders. And with months of sunshine ahead, many are getting their boats back on the water this time of year. But before dropping anchor, there are important Michigan boating laws and safety tips you should be aware of. Michigan Boating Laws - Registration of All Motorized Vessels and Operator Requirements Before you put your motorized boat...

24 May

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An Uncertain Future for Autonomous Cars in Michigan

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Michigan Laws

Personal injury attorney, Steve Sinas, recently published an article regarding the dilemma facing autonomous cars in Michigan. Here’s a brief overview of current legislation surrounding self-driving vehicles and how it creates uncertainty as well as leaves many questions about the payment of no-fault benefits unanswered. Autonomous Cars and the Need for Smarter Legislation With technology moving at the speed of light and autonomous cars becoming a certainty in the near future, questions continue to arise with regard to Michigan’s legal framework surrounding these types of vehicles. Yes, certainly self-driving cars will help reduce accidents and decrease auto-related injuries, but when a crash...

26 April

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Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Law – A Complete Guide

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Michigan Laws, Motorcycles

It’s the wind in your hair, the sun on your skin, the deeper connection to your natural environment from the seat of your motorcycle. And there’s nothing else quite like it. We get the reasons you ride. But as personal injury attorneys that represent countless riders seriously injured in motorcycle accidents, we hope you'll take the time to fully understand Michigan's motorcycle helmet law before deciding whether or not to wear a helmet. While the choice, in most cases, is ultimately up to you, we know that knowledge is power. So next time you hop on your bike, keep this information in...

11 December

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Letting A Dog On Your Lap While Driving May Soon Be Illegal

Posted by lmurphy

in Michigan Laws

We've all seen it (and have possibly been guilty of it ourselves): letting a dog sit on our lap while driving. Problem is, having a dog on your lap while driving is a distraction that takes your eyes off the road and may cause a Michigan car accident. This is why House Bill 5277 has been introduced in the Legislature. The measure would prohibit dogs on the laps of Michigan drivers. The proposal is straightforward and says, "An individual shall not operate a motor vehicle while a dog is sitting on his or her lap." If the bill ultimately passes, this...

05 September

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Michigan Motorcycle Laws Are Changing In October 2017

Posted by lmurphy

in Fox 17, Michigan Laws, Motorcycles

The cost to ride a motorcycle in Michigan is about to go up -- but for a good reason. On Oct. 25, 2017, several new Michigan motorcycle laws go into effect. Here's the rundown. First, the cost of an original motorcycle endorsement, as well as the fee for a renewal, is going to increase. An original endorsement has been $13.50, but will now cost $16. A renewal has been $5, but will now cost $7. Where will this extra money go? Into a "Motorcycle Safety & Education Awareness Fund," administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury. It’s estimated that an additional $250,000...

17 July

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Michigan Catastrophic Claims Fee: Where Does Your Money Go?

Posted by lmurphy

in Michigan Laws

Legislation Would Make State-Operated Fund More Transparent If you have no-fault insurance, you currently pay an annual $170 Michigan catastrophic claims fee for each vehicle that you insure. The payment is in addition to your auto insurance premium. Where does the money go? It goes into a statewide fund that's managed by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA). The association sets the yearly fee and uses the money to reimburse insurance companies for no-fault benefits paid to those who are the most seriously injured in a Michigan car accident. The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association fee usually changes every year. In fact, on July...

Michigan’s Cell Phone Use and Driving-While-Texting Laws

Understanding Your Legal Right to Protest

Can Electric Scooters Ride in Bike Lanes?

Michigan Eavesdropping Laws – When is it Okay to Record a Conversation

Michigan Boating Laws – A Comprehensive Guide

An Uncertain Future for Autonomous Cars in Michigan

Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Law – A Complete Guide

Letting A Dog On Your Lap While Driving May Soon Be Illegal

Michigan Motorcycle Laws Are Changing In October 2017

Michigan Catastrophic Claims Fee: Where Does Your Money Go?

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