CITY MOTOR VEHICLE RACING ACT OF 1981
Act 178 of 1981
AN ACT to provide for the holding of motor vehicle racing events in cities in this state; to require a permit; to provide for the issuance of a permit; to prescribe certain requirements for obtaining a permit; to provide for certain powers and duties of a permit holder and the city in relation to a racing event; to declare that an event held under this act is not a nuisance; and to provide immunity from damages.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

The People of the State of Michigan enact:

257.1701 Short title.

Sec. 1.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "city motor vehicle racing act of 1981".

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1702 Definitions.

Sec. 2.

As used in this act:

(a) "Highway or street" means a highway or street as defined in section 20 of Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, being section 257.20 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

(b) "Motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in section 33 of Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, being section 257.33 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

(d) "Racing event" means a motor vehicle race which is sanctioned by a nationally or internationally recognized racing organization, and includes preparations, practices, and qualifications for the race.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1703 Permit to conduct racing event in city required.

Sec. 3.

A city may provide for the issuance of a permit allowing the person to whom the permit is issued to conduct a racing event on the highways or streets within the limits of the city. A person shall not conduct a racing event in a city unless the person has been issued a permit under this act.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1704 Permit fee.

Sec. 4.

The city may charge a reasonable fee for the issuance of a permit under this act.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1705 Issuance of racing event permit; conditions; determination.

Sec. 5.

Before a city issues a racing event permit under sections 3 and 4, the city shall determine all of the following:

(a) That the person applying for the permit has adequate insurance to pay any damages incurred because of loss or injury to any person or property.

(b) That adequate security and necessary facilities will be provided during the racing event.

(c) That the person applying for the permit has demonstrated the ability to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city and those attending the racing event.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1706 Powers of person conducting racing event; protecting private property rights and not preventing access to governmental facilities.

Sec. 6.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person who is issued a permit under this act may do all of the following for purposes of a racing event conducted pursuant to this act:

(a) Limit access to the racing event area and any area from which the racing event may be viewed.

(b) Provide for viewing and pit areas or any other area necessary to conducting the racing event.

(d) Take any other action reasonably necessary for purposes of a racing event under this act.

(2) A person issued a permit under this act shall reasonably protect private property rights and not prevent access to governmental facilities.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1707 Powers of city.

Sec. 7.

For purposes of a racing event held under this act, the city may do all of the following:

(a) Provide for the temporary closing or obstructing of highways or streets, alleys, and sidewalks located in the city.

(b) Reroute pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1708 Racing event and other actions as being for public purposes.

Sec. 8.

A racing event held under this act and any action taken under sections 6 and 7 shall be considered as being for public purposes including the promotion of commerce and tourism and for the benefit of the citizens of the city and the state.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1709 Racing event and other actions as public or private nuisance.

Sec. 9.

A racing event held under this act and any action taken under sections 6 and 7 shall not be considered or found to be a public or private nuisance.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1710 Racing event and other actions as violation of MCL 257.1 et seq. or MCL 247.171 et seq.

Sec. 10.

A racing event held under this act and any action taken under sections 6 and 7 shall not be considered to be a violation of Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, as amended, being sections 257.1 to 257.923 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, or Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1925, as amended, being sections 247.171 to 247.190 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1711 Liability for damages.

Sec. 11.

A city that issues a permit under this act shall not be liable for any damages that may result from the racing event because of loss or injury to any person or property. After a permit is issued, the state shall not be liable for any damages that may result from the racing event because of loss or injury to any person or property.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

257.1712 Restoration of highways or streets, alleys, sidewalks, and buildings required.

Sec. 12.

A person issued a permit under this act shall provide for the restoration of all highways or streets, alleys, sidewalks, and buildings to a condition substantially similar to their condition as existed before the racing event so that the highways or streets, alleys, sidewalks, and buildings are suitable for their normal use.

History: 1981, Act 178, Imd. Eff. Dec. 14, 1981

Rendered 8/15/2025 12:12 PM
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 5 of 2025
Courtesy of legislature.mi.gov