September 24, 2014, Introduced by Senator CASPERSON and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled
"Michigan vehicle code,"
by amending section 612 (MCL 257.612), as amended by 2006 PA 339.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 612. (1) When traffic is controlled by traffic control
signals, not fewer than 1 signal shall be located over the traveled
portion of the roadway so as to give vehicle operators a clear
indication of the right-of-way assignment from their normal
positions approaching the intersection. The vehicle signals shall
exhibit different colored lights successively, 1 at a time, or with
arrows. Red arrow and yellow arrow indications have the same
meaning as the corresponding circular indications, except that they
apply only to vehicle operators intending to make the movement
indicated by the arrow. The following colors shall be used, and the
terms and lights shall indicate and apply to vehicle operators as
follows:
(a) If the signal exhibits a green indication, vehicular
traffic facing the signal may proceed straight through or turn
right or left unless a sign at that place prohibits either turn.
Vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall
yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians and
bicyclists lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent
crosswalk at the time the signal is exhibited.
(b) If the signal exhibits a steady yellow indication,
vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop before entering the
nearest crosswalk at the intersection or at a limit line when
marked, but if the stop cannot be made in safety, a vehicle may be
driven cautiously through the intersection.
(c) If the signal exhibits a steady red indication, the
following apply:
(i) Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal alone shall
stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the
intersection or at a limit line when marked or, if there is no
crosswalk or limit line, before entering the intersection and shall
remain standing until a green indication is shown, except as
provided in subparagraph (ii).
(ii) Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal, after
stopping before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the
intersection or at a limit line when marked or, if there is no
crosswalk or limit line, before entering the intersection, may make
a right turn from a 1-way or 2-way street into a 2-way street or
into a 1-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right
turn or may make a left turn from a 1-way or 2-way street into a 1-
way roadway carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn,
unless prohibited by sign, signal, marking, light, or other traffic
control device. The vehicular traffic shall yield the right of way
to pedestrians and bicyclists lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk
and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
(d) If the signal exhibits a steady green arrow indication,
vehicular traffic facing the green arrow signal, shown alone or in
combination with another indication, may cautiously enter the
intersection only to make the movement indicated by the arrow or
other movement permitted by other indications shown at the same
time. The vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to
pedestrians and bicyclists lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk
and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
(2) If a traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a
place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section
apply except for those provisions that by their nature cannot
apply. Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the
pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the
absence of a sign or marking, the stop shall be made at the signal.
(3) A person who violates subsection (1) or (2) is responsible
for a civil infraction.
(4) A vehicle operator who approaches a person using a
wheelchair or a device to aid the person to walk at a crosswalk or
any other pedestrian crossing shall take necessary precautions to
avoid accident or injury to the person using the wheelchair or
device. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a
misdemeanor.
(5) A sign prohibiting a turn on a red signal as provided in
subsection (1)(c)(ii) shall be located above or adjacent to the
traffic control signal or as close as possible to the point where
the turn is made, or at both locations, so that 1 or more of the
signs are visible to a vehicle operator intending to turn, at the
point where the turn is made. An additional sign may be used at the
far side of the intersection in the direct line of vision of the
turning vehicle operator.
(6) Subject to federal law, a temporary traffic control signal
may be located on, over, or adjacent to the traveled portion of the
roadway.