UNATTENDED RUNNING VEHICLES
House Bill 4215 as introduced
Sponsor: Rep. Holly Hughes
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Complete to 3-3-17
SUMMARY:
Under Section 676 the Michigan Vehicle Code, (MCL 257.676) a person shall not allow a motor vehicle to stand on a highway unattended without engaging the parking brake or placing the vehicle in park and stopping the motor of the vehicle, among other things. A violation is a civil infraction.
(The Vehicle Code contains the following definition: "Highway or street" means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.)
House Bill 4215 would amend this section in two ways:
· The bill repeals Rule 28.1458 of the Michigan Administrative Code. That rule specifies that a person who has control or charge of a motor vehicle shall not allow the vehicle to stand unattended on any street or any other place without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and removing and taking possession of the ignition key. The provision pertaining to locking the ignition and removing the key does not apply to motor vehicles that are manufactured with an ignition system that does not have a key and that is incapable of being locked. (Underlining added.)
· The bill specifies that Section 676 does not modify the obligation of an insurance company to reimburse a claimant for theft of a motor vehicle as provided in the Insurance Code.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4215 would not have a significant fiscal impact on units of state or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Marcus Coffin
■ 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.