YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES; REDUCE PENALTY
House Bill 5094
Sponsor: Rep. Andrew Richner
Committee: Transportation
Complete to 9-26-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5094 AS INTRODUCED 9-25-01
House Bill 5094 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to reduce the penalty when the driver of a vehicle failed to yield to emergency vehicles, under certain circumstances.
Under the law, the driver of an approaching vehicle must exhibit due care and caution when he or she nears an emergency vehicle. More specifically, he or she is required either to move into a lane at least one moving lane or two vehicle widths apart from the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, or if that is not possible, to reduce and maintain a safe speed for the weather, road, and traffic conditions. A person who violates these provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500, or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both. House Bill 5094 specifies instead that a person who violated these provisions would be responsible for a civil infraction. [Note: The bill would retain the fine and imprisonment penalties currently specified in the law whenever a violation caused injury or death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel.]
MCL257.653a
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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.