NIGHTTIME DRIVING REQUIREMENT
Senate Bills 192 (S-2) and 193 as passed by the Senate
Sponsor: Sen. Roger Victory
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Complete to 6-3-19
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill 192 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify that the nighttime hours requirement for the issuance of a Level 2 graduated license would not apply to a person who had been issued a graduated driver license that permits daylight driving only as provided in R 257.3 of the Michigan Administrative Code (see Background, below).
MCL 257.310e
Senate Bill 193 would amend the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act to specify that the nighttime hours requirement for a student’s admission into a Segment 2 curriculum course would not apply to a person who had been issued a graduated driver license that permits daylight driving only as provided in R 257.3 of the Michigan Administrative Code.
SB 193 is tie-barred to SB 192, meaning it could not take effect unless SB 192 were enacted.
MCL 256.659
BACKGROUND:
R 257.3 of the Michigan Administrative Code specifies that a restricted driver’s license permitting daylight driving may be issued only if an applicant or licensee submits a statement from an ophthalmologist or optometrist stating either of the following:
· The applicant has visual acuity less than 20/50 to and including 20/70 with no recognizable progressive abnormalities affecting vision.
· The applicant has visual acuity less than 20/50 to and including 20/60 with recognizable abnormalities affecting vision.
Michigan’s graduated licensing system has three licensing levels. To be issued a Level 2 license, a driver must be at least 16 years old and have completed the Segment 2 driver education curriculum, among other requirements.[1] The Segment 2 driver education curriculum currently requires completion of a total of ten hours of night driving.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bills would have no fiscal impact on state or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Cnossen
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.