VEHICLES TRAVELING IN PLATOONS                                                               H.B. 5749:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 5749 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Michael Webber

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Senate Committee:  Transportation

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to exclude vehicles traveling in a platoon from a requirement that operators of trucks or truck tractors leave sufficient space between the vehicle and another truck or truck tractor.

Specifically, the Code requires the operator of a truck or truck tractor, when traveling upon a highway outside of a business or residence district, when conditions permit, to leave sufficient space between the vehicle and another truck or truck tractor so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy the space without danger. This provision does not prevent the operator of a truck or truck tractor from overtaking and passing another truck, truck tractor, or other vehicle in a lawful manner.

Under the bill, these provisions would not apply to a vehicle in a platoon.

MCL 257.643a                                                         Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State, and could have a negative fiscal impact on local government. Any associated decrease in civil infraction fine revenue would decrease funding to public libraries.

Date Completed:  12-3-18                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

This 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.