Traffic control: driver license; instruction in work zone safety; require. Amends secs. 309 & 310e of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.309 & 257.310e) & adds sec. 309a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5767'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan would require work zone safety instruction in driver licensing, updating education to improve driver behavior near work zones.

placed on third reading

#trafficcontrol:driverlicense

Summary of HB 5768 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and intent

HB 5768 proposes to enhance driver education and safety in work zones by requiring instruction in work zone safety as part of driver licensing. The bill updates driver license provisions to emphasize awareness and behavior in work zones, aiming to reduce crashes and injuries involving construction crews and motorists.

Key provisions and changes

Mandatory work zone safety instruction: The bill requires instruction related to work zone safety be included in the driver licensing process. This would ensure new and potentially renewing drivers receive standardized information on how to navigate work zones safely.

Amendments to existing statutes: HB 5768 alters sections 309 and 310e of 1949 PA 300 (Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 257.309 and MCL 257.310e). While the exact text of amendments is not provided here, the changes center on updating education and requirements tied to driver licenses and work zone safety.

Enactment of new section: The bill adds a new section, designated as 309a, to facilitate the formalizing of work zone safety instruction within the licensing framework.

Tie-bar with HB 5767: The bill is tied to HB 5767, indicating related provisions or companion measures that together address work zone safety and driver education.

Who is affected

New and renewing drivers: Individuals seeking or renewing a Michigan driver license would be subject to the new work zone safety instruction requirement.

Motorists and work zone workers: The intended beneficiaries include construction/maintenance crews and drivers who travel through work zones, as the instruction aims to improve driver behavior around active work sites.

Licensing and educational providers: Entities involved in driver education and the licensing process would implement the new instructional content and process changes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred: Introduced March 19, 2026, by Representative Gregory Alexander. Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.

Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Pat Outman, Doug Wozniak, Matt Bierlein, Tom Kunse, Angela Rigas, Jerry Neyer, and Greg Alexander.

Action history: The bill was electronically reproduced on April 14, 2026, indicating ongoing administrative processing. No final passage date is listed; passage would require committee action, potential amendments, and approval by both houses of the Michigan Legislature, followed by any necessary signing or veto processes.

Potential impact and considerations

Safety outcomes: By mandating work zone safety instructions, the bill has the potential to increase driver awareness, reduce speeding and unsafe lane changes near work zones, and lower the risk of injury to workers.

Implementation requirements: Driver education providers and licensing authorities would need to develop, approve, and standardize the instructional content. This may involve curriculum updates, trainer certification, and potential costs or administrative adjustments.

Coordination with HB 5767: As a tied measure, HB 5768’s effectiveness may depend on concurrent provisions in HB 5767, which likely complements or extends work zone safety requirements.

If you’d like, I can compare these provisions to current law (MCL 257.309, 257.310e) to highlight exact statutory changes once the text is available, or summarize any committee actions and amendments as they progress.