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Operation Ghost Rider Underway around Michigan
Law enforcement is tamping down on distracted driving around Michigan, using unmarked cars to spot motorists on their cell phones.
(FOX 2) - A statewide enforcement campaign is underway across Michigan to crack down on distracted drivers.
Coordination between several transportation organizations and police agencies around the state commenced over the weekend. It involves unmarked police vehicles keeping an eye out for anyone who is not paying attention while behind the wheel.
Then marked vehicles will pull drivers over.
Operation Ghost Rider
The National Transportation Safety Organization is overseeing a traffic campaign involving both the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and "numerous state and local" police groups.
The main issues at play are those on their phone while driving.
Big picture view:
Between 2020 and 2024, there were nearly 300 deaths caused by distracted driving.
A big reason behind those incidents is the use of a mobile device while driving, which rose slightly from 5.2% to 5.7% in 2025. And while the number of distracted driving crashes has fallen over time, the frequency of those wrecks ending in a fatality has gone up.
"Safety on our roads depends on the choices each of us make every time we get behind the wheel," said Jim Santilli, CEO of NTSO. "One moment of distraction can inflict lasting harm on families. We are asking drivers to partner with us to protect our communities, with a goal of zero violations because that means everyone is working together to keep people safe."
Dig deeper:
Michigan passed a distracted driving law in 2023 that aims to curb mobile phone use while driving.
It is illegal to hold any smartphone device while driving in Michigan. That includes at a stoplight when it's red. The penalties for such include:
- First offense: $100 fine and/or 16 hours community service
- Second offense: $250 fine and/or 24 hours community service
- Three violations: mandatory driving course
- Fines double if distracted driving causes a crash
No touching your phone while driving: New law starts June 30
Drivers can't even touch their phone at a stoplight or stop sign. You can't text that emoji, check Instagram or give your mom a call.
Zoom out:
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Operation Ghost Rider is part of several distracted driving crackdowns planned for the month.
Michigan distracted driving crackdowns planned this month
Michigan police will have extra eyes on the road this Distracted Driving Awareness Month, looking for drivers doing more than driving behind the wheel.
The Source: A news release and previous reporting was cited for this story.