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Bill Summary · SB 465

SB 465 — Summary (Michigan: Snowplow Following Distance; MCL 257.643b / Public Act 72 of 2024)

Main purpose

SB 465 adds section 643b to the Michigan Vehicle Code to improve winter road safety by requiring motorists to maintain a minimum distance behind active snowplows and to keep a safe buffer when approaching stopped snowplows in intersections.

Key provisions

  • Creates MCL 257.643b (added to 1949 PA 300):
    • Motorists shall not follow a snowplow more closely than 200 feet while the snowplow is moving.
    • The 200-foot requirement does not apply when a motorist is legally overtaking or passing the snowplow.
    • If a snowplow is stopped at or in an intersection, a non-snowplow vehicle approaching from the rear must stop at least 20 feet behind the snowplow.
    • Violation is a civil infraction.
  • Defines “snowplow” for this section as a vehicle that:
    • Is operated on behalf of the state, a county, a county road commission, or a municipality;
    • Is actively engaged in snow/ice removal, salting, sanding, or snowplowing; and
    • Is operating required amber/green/rotating/oscillating lights as referenced in the Vehicle Code (section 698(5)(d)).

Who is affected

  • Drivers of passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles operating on Michigan public roads (must maintain the specified distances).
  • Public agencies and contractors operating snowplows (defines when the rule applies).
  • Law enforcement and courts (enforcement and adjudication of civil infractions).
  • Potential indirect effects on emergency response and road maintenance operations (less damage to equipment, improved safety margins).

Enforcement, penalties & fiscal effects

  • A violation is treated as a civil infraction (the statute text does not specify a dollar amount). Legislative analyses during consideration noted civil fines and potential additional justice system assessments; overall fiscal impact was characterized as indeterminate but could increase state and local revenue from fines and associated assessments.
  • Enforcement practicalities (estimating distances, determining intent) may influence citation and adjudication rates.

Rationale & anticipated impact

  • Sponsors and committee analyses cited increased collisions involving snowplows in winter conditions, reduced vehicle braking distances on ice/snow, and the heavy/slow nature of plows. The law is intended to increase stopping margins and reduce collisions between private vehicles and snowplows.

Timeline and current status

  • Enacted as Public Act 72 of 2024.
  • Approved by the Governor and effective immediately: July 8, 2024.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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