FLASHING LIGHTS ON VEHICLES IN

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAMS

House Bill 4176 substitute H-2 as reported from committee

Sponsor:  Rep.  Robert Kosowski

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 12-12-17                                                            (Enacted as Public Act 278 of 2018)

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4176 would amend Section 698 of the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a vehicle used as part of a neighborhood watch program to be equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights under certain circumstances.

Under current law, the use or possession of flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights of any color is prohibited under Section 698 of the Vehicle Code, except under certain circumstances that are enumerated in that section and that largely pertain to emergency, utility, or public transit vehicles.

The bill would add vehicles used by a neighborhood watch program to these exceptions, as long as the vehicle is clearly identified as a neighborhood watch vehicle and the neighborhood watch program is working in cooperation with local law enforcement. Additionally, the lights could only be activated when the vehicle is performing neighborhood watch duties.

MCL 257.698

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4176 would have no fiscal impact on any units of state or local government.

POSITIONS:

Michigan Department of State Police is neutral on the bill. (12-5-17)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                               Fiscal Analysts:   Michael Cnossen

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.