PROHIBIT AGRESSIVE DRIVING AND PROVIDE PENALTIES
House Bill 4304
Sponsor: Rep. Samuel Buzz Thomas
Committee: Transportation
Complete to 4-11-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4304 AS INTRODUCED 2-20-01
House Bill 4304 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to create a new violation category called aggressive driving, and set penalties for drivers who are convicted of driving in this manner. If enacted into law, the bill would go into effect October 1, 2001.
Under the bill, a person would be guilty of aggressive driving if he or she committed two or more of the following offenses (as they are defined under the code) during a single continuous period of driving: a) reckless driving; b) careless driving; c) violation of a speed limit; d) failure to obey a traffic control device; e) following another vehicle too closely; f) overtaking and passing a vehicle on the right by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway; g) failure to yield the right-of-way; and, h) improper lane changes.
A person who violated the bill would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 180 days, or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. Further, the bill would require the court to order a convicted person to attend and successfully complete review sessions composed of both classroom and behind-the-wheel time periods designed to improve the safety and habits of drivers, as developed by the secretary of state.
The bill would require that the secretary of state suspend a person's license for a violation of the aggressive driving section, as follows:
-for 30 days if the person had no prior convictions within two years; or,
-for one year if the person had one or more prior convictions for aggressive driving within two years.
Finally, the bill would re-define "serious traffic violation" to include aggressive driving as provided in the bill.
MCL 257.319 and 257.319b
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.