FLASHING LIGHTS ON VEHICLES IN

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAMS

House Bill 4176 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep.  Robert Kosowski

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 12-4-17

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.  However, the lights could not be activated when the vehicle is not performing neighborhood watch duties.

Under current law, the use or possession of flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights of any color is prohibited under Section 698 of the 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 those exceptions, under the conditions described above.

MCL 257.698

FISCAL IMPACT:

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

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                               Fiscal Analysts:   Michael Cnossen

                                                                                                                           William E. Hamilton

■ 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.