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HB 4335

Traffic control: accidents; penalties for moving violation causing physical injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user; enhance. Amends sec. 12e, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.12e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4334'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 25 co-sponsors

Michigan bill increases criminal penalties for moving violations causing injury or death to pedestrians and cyclists, tying sentencing severity to vulnerable roadway user protection.

bill electronically reproduced 04/17/2025
#crimes:vehicleoffenses #trafficcontrol:accidents #trafficcontrol:violations
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Bill Summary · HB 4335

Legislative bill overview

HB 4335 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.12e) to enhance penalties for moving violations that cause physical injury or death to vulnerable roadway users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.). The bill is tied to HB 4334, suggesting coordinated legislative action on traffic safety enforcement.

Why is this important

Vulnerable roadway users face disproportionate risk from moving violations, yet penalties may not reflect the severity of harm caused. Enhanced penalties could deter dangerous driving behavior and provide stronger legal recourse for victims and families, while raising questions about proportionality in sentencing.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing severity: Critics may argue enhanced penalties constitute overcriminalization or disproportionate punishment, particularly if applied to unintentional accidents rather than reckless behavior
  • Vulnerable user definition: Disagreement may exist over which road users qualify (e.g., does "vulnerable" include only pedestrians/cyclists or also motorcyclists?), affecting scope of application
  • Enforcement equity: Concerns that enhanced penalties could be applied disparately across demographic groups or that they shift focus from infrastructure improvements that prevent accidents

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

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