SNOW PLOW LIGHT & REVERSE SIGNAL S.B. 980 (S-2):
FLOOR SUMMARY
[Please see the PDF version of this analysis, if available, to view this image.]
Senate Bill 980 (Substitute S-2 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Jud Gilbert, II
Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prohibit a person from operating a commercial snow removal vehicle to remove snow or ice on a public street or highway or in a public parking lot unless both of the following applied:
-- The vehicle was operated with at least one flashing, rotating, or oscillating yellow or amber light that was clearly visible in a 360-degree arc from a distance of 500 feet when in use.
-- The vehicle was operated with a reverse signal alarm that was audible above the surrounding noise level or the vehicle was backed up only when an observer signaled that it was safe to do so.
The second requirement would not apply if the vehicle were being operated within 200 feet of a residence between midnight and 7:00 a.m.
A person who owned or leased a commercial snow removal vehicle could not knowingly allow a person to operate it in violation of the bill.
A person who violated the bill would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 90 days or a fine of not more than $500, or both.
The bill would define "commercial snow removal vehicle" as a vehicle equipped with a plow or other device that is used to remove snow or ice for payment or other remuneration. "Person" would mean an individual, partnership, governmental entity, or other legal entity.
MCL 257.698 et al. Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would make operators of commercial snow removal vehicles subject to a misdemeanor penalty in the event of noncompliance with the stated regulations. Because there are no data to indicate how many snow removal vehicles would not comply with these regulations, the bill would have an indeterminate impact on local units of governments. An individual found guilty of the proposed misdemeanor would be subject to imprisonment for up to 90 days and a fine of up to $500. Local governments would incur the costs of incarceration in local facilities, which vary by county. Additional penal fine revenue would benefit public libraries.
Date Completed: 1-20-10 Fiscal Analyst: Matthew Grabowski
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb980/0910