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SB 465

An Act amending the act of December 19, 1988 (P.L.1262, No.156), known as the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Brooks and 5 co-sponsors

Michigan SB 465 requires drivers to keep 200 feet behind moving snowplows and 20 feet behind stopped plows in intersections; violations are civil infractions.

Referred to Community, Economic & Recreational Development
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
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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