WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 216

Traffic control: accidents; penalties for moving violation causing physical injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user; enhance. Amends secs. 303, 320a, 601c & 653a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.303 et seq.); adds secs. 79g & 79h & repeals sec. 653b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.653b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0217'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Veronica Klinefelt and 3 co-sponsors

Michigan bill increases criminal penalties for drivers whose moving violations cause injury or death to pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users.

referred to Committee on Judiciary
#crimes:vehicleoffenses #trafficcontrol:accidents #trafficcontrol:violations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 216

Legislative bill overview

SB 216 enhances penalties for moving violations that cause physical injury or death to vulnerable roadway users (pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders). The bill amends Michigan's traffic safety laws to create stricter consequences for drivers whose violations harm these unprotected road users and ties enforcement to companion legislation SB 217.

Why is this important

Vulnerable roadway users face disproportionate injury and fatality risks in traffic accidents. Enhanced penalties aim to incentivize safer driving behavior around pedestrians and cyclists by increasing legal consequences when driver violations cause harm, potentially reducing preventable deaths and serious injuries in communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity vs. proportionality: Critics may argue enhanced penalties for moving violations could be excessive if applied to minor infractions, while supporters contend current penalties insufficiently deter dangerous behavior around vulnerable users
  • Enforcement equity: Concerns about whether enforcement will be applied uniformly across demographics and communities, or if vulnerable neighborhoods experience disparate policing
  • Defining "vulnerable roadway user": The breadth of this definition and how law enforcement determines applicability in ambiguous accident scenarios could create inconsistent implementation
  • Tie-bar dependency: The bill's effectiveness is contingent on companion legislation (SB 217), creating uncertainty about the complete legislative intent and potential conflicts if only one bill survives the process

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

Sign in to ask a question.