SNOW PLOW LIGHT & REVERSE SIGNAL S.B. 980:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 980 (as introduced 11-10-09)
Sponsor: Senator Jud Gilbert, II
Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 1-13-10
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prohibit a person from operating a commercial snow plow unless the vehicle was operated with at least one flashing, rotating, or oscillating light and a reverse signal alarm or observer.
Specifically, a person could not operate a commercial snow removal vehicle to remove snow or ice on a public roadway or in a parking lot accessible for use by the public 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.
A person who owned or leased a commercial vehicle to remove snow or ice on a public roadway or in a public parking lot could not knowingly allow a person to operate that vehicle 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 include the State and political subdivisions of the State.
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.
Fiscal Analyst: Matt 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