1011: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - ILLEGAL U-TURNS ON HIGHWAYS

ILLEGAL U-TURNS ON HIGHWAYS - S.B. 1011: COMMITTEE SUMMARY

Senate Bill 1011 (as introduced 2-15-00)

Date Completed: 2-29-00

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to increase from $100 to $200 the maximum civil fine a person may be ordered to pay, in addition to costs, for violating the Code's prohibition against driving vehicles over, across, or within the dividing space, barrier, or section of a limited access highway.

Currently, when a highway has been divided into two roadways by an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section constructed to impede vehicular traffic, the Code requires a vehicle to be driven only on the right-hand roadway and prohibits the vehicle from being parked, driven over, across, or within the dividing space, barrier, or section, except through an opening established by public authority (MCL 257.644). Only authorized emergency vehicles, road service vehicles that are servicing a disabled vehicle, and those vehicles permitted by authorized signs may use crossovers on limited access highways. A person who violates this prohibition is responsible for a civil infraction.

If a person is determined to be responsible for a civil infraction under the Code or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to a provision of the Code, a judge, district court referee, or district court magistrate may order the person to pay a civil fine of up to $100 and costs (although certain violations are subject to different fines). If a civil fine is ordered, costs of at least $5 and not more than $100 must be assessed under the Code.

MCL 257.907 - Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would result in potential additional fine revenue. In 1998, the Department of State Police issued 1,459 citations for violations of MCL 257.644. The number of citations written by local law enforcement officers statewide under this section, or a corresponding local ordinance, is not available.

- Fiscal Analyst: B. BowermanS9900\s1011sa

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.