Q: There has been an ongoing debate among myself and some friends about if it’s legal to carry a concealed gun in the bowling area of a bowling alley that also has a bar on site. As you know, there are drinks being sold and consumed in the bar and lane side. Is the whole building considered to be a bar, thereby making it a pistol free zone (PFZ)?
— Jay, an Ionia Sentinel  Standard reader

A: Jay, we must look at the intent of the building. A pistol free zone in Michigan is “…a tavern where the primary source of income is the sale alcoholic liquor served by the glass and consumed on the premises…”. When in doubt, ask the owner what is the primary source of income.
However, this also comes along the same situation of a fish fry at a local church. It is still “… a place of worship owned or operated by a church…” therefore making it a PFZ. A school used as a voting precinct is included.

Q: What are the consequences for the driver and vehicle owner for letting a young, unlicensed driver behind the wheel on public streets?
— Lori from Muir

A: Excellent question as many parents do this with their children before driver’s education begins. Please be advised I am presenting the “color of the law” concerning this question; the worst-case scenario if you are observed in violation of these acts. MVC 257.325, Causing or permitting unlicensed minor to drive, states “It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or knowingly permit any minor to drive a motor vehicle upon a highway as an operator, unless the minor has first obtained a license to drive a motor vehicle under the provisions of this chapter.”
MVC 257.326, Operation of vehicle in violation of act; owner’s permission prohibited, states “No person shall knowingly authorize or permit a motor vehicle owned by him or under his control to be driven by any person in violation of any of the provisions of this act.”
MVC 257.301, Valid operator’s or chauffeur’s license required… states “…a person shall not drive a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless that person has a valid operator’s or chauffeur’s license…” All of these traffic offenses are punishable by a misdemeanor traffic citation and/or court costs.

Q: What should or can I do when I see someone obviously texting while driving?
– Karin from Ionia

A: Karin, with the new law enacted concerning texting and driving in Michigan, this is something we, drivers of Michigan, are all aware of.  We in law enforcement and other concerned citizens, such as you, would enjoy a safe drive to our destination. However, many drivers feel they have to read or send a text immediately and do so in violation of MVC 257. 602b, reading, typing, or sending text message on wireless two-way communication device prohibited. This states “…a person shall not read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless two-way communication device that is located in the person’s hand or in the person’s lap, including a wireless telephone used in cellular telephone service or personal communication service, while operating a motor vehicle that is moving on a highway or street in this state”. Along with drunk driving, you may “call in” traffic violations.
However, there may not be a police officer in the area. By the time we do catch up, they may have finished the violation, such as texting, which we must observe to take action. The main thing would be a good witness and keep yourself safe. If that person was in a crash, you would be able to testify that they were texting before the crash. I request that you take actions, such as slowing, to avoid this other vehicle, to keep safe.