SNOWPLOW DISTANCE S.B. 465:

SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

IN COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 465 (as introduced 8-24-23)

Sponsor: Senator Sam Singh

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure

 

Date Completed: 10-2-23

 


CONTENT

 

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prescribe the distances, dependent on speed, that the operator of a vehicle would have to maintain from a snowplow. It also would prescribe a civil infraction for a violation of the distances.

 

Specifically, the operator of a vehicle could not follow a snowplow more closely than the following distances, as applicable:

 

--    On a street or highway with a speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour, 200 feet.

--    On a street or highway with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, 75 feet.

 

These requirements would not apply when the operator of a vehicle was legally overtaking or passing a snowplow.

 

If a snowplow had stopped at or in an intersection and the operator of a vehicle that was not a snowplow approached it from the rear, the operator of the vehicle would have to do the following:

 

--    Stop at least 20 feet from the snowplow.

--    Remain stopped until the snowplow resumed motion and vacated the intersection.

 

Proposed MCL 257.643b Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

Due to the fine for the civil infraction, the bill would potentially increase revenue for the State and local governmental units.

 

Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell

 

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.