September 10, 2008, Introduced by Senator THOMAS and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled
"Michigan vehicle code,"
(MCL 257.1 to 257.923) by adding section 642a.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 642a. (1) The state department of transportation, a
county road commission, or a local authority may designate 1 or
more lanes of any portion of a highway within its jurisdiction as
being limited for use only by individuals operating motor vehicles
occupied by a specific number of individuals, as established by the
state department of transportation or that county road commission
or local authority. The state department of transportation or that
county road commission or local authority shall, at a minimum,
place signs at the beginning of, and end of, that portion of a
highway that has a lane designated for use only as provided under
this subsection and at each entrance onto that portion of the
highway that has a lane designated for use only as provided under
this subsection. The signs shall provide reasonable notice to motor
vehicle operators of the number of individuals required to occupy
the motor vehicle for operation in that lane.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), a person shall not
operate a motor vehicle on a lane of a highway in violation of a
designation made under subsection (1).
(3) A person may operate a vehicle on a lane of highway
regardless of a designation under subsection (1) if any of the
following apply:
(a) He or she is operating a motorcycle.
(b) He or she is operating an authorized emergency vehicle and
is responding to an emergency.
(c) He or she is engaged in his or her duties as a police
officer.
(d) He or she is following the directions of a police officer.
(e) He or she is following the directions of an employee or
contractual service provider of the department of transportation,
the county road commission, or the local authority.
(f) He or she is responding to a road or traffic hazard.
(4) A person who violates this section is responsible for a
civil infraction.