Michigan Traffic Law
Goldman and Associates focus on family law, personal injury, and traffic law. If you have any questions about any of these topics contact us today and we will be happy to help. If you are driving every day it might be good to know about Michigan traffic laws and what rights you have when driving. This blog will be going over everything you need to know about traffic laws in Michigan.
The essence of Michigan’s basic speeding law is that a motorist must always drive at a safe and reasonable speed, depending on the circumstances. A safe and reasonable speed is one which allows the motorist to come to a stop within a reasonable distance (i.e. before colliding with the car driving in front of you). Even if the sign says 60 mph, if there is fog everywhere and ice on the road, then driving at the posted speed limit could still be considered speeding. On the other hand, driving too slowly can also be unreasonable and dangerous. Driving 3 mph when the sign says 50 mph would also violate the basic speeding law even though it isn’t technically “speeding”.
Speeding
The general rule for the Michigan speed limit is decidedly more straightforward. You can be charged with speeding if you are traveling even 1mph above the speed limit. That being said, most traffic enforcement officers have better things to do than pull over every motorist who goes that fast. It should also be noted that the “speed limit” is not limited to the number posted on the sign.
Different types of roads have default speed limits under Michigan law. These are the designated speed limit unless a physical sign indicates otherwise. Examples of these default speed limits include:
- Business districts: 25 MH
- Residential districts: 25 MPH
- Boundaries of a public park: 25 MPH
- Truck lines and county highways: 55 MPH
- Gravel highways: 55 MPH
- Limited access freeways: 70 MPH
In addition to points on your record, a speeding ticket is usually punished with a fine. Typical speeding fines are as follows:
- Driving 1-5 MPH above the limit: $90
- Driving 5+ MPH over the limit: $100
- Driving 26+ MPH over the limit: $155 plus an additional $4 for every additional mile
Speeding is considered a civil infraction. The court can also impose an additional surcharge on top of the fine, which usually goes towards certain public programs. A severe enough speeding offense can be charged as reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor punishable by 93 days in jail and/or fines of up to $500.
Traffic Tickets
Traffic tickets and violations typically cover any other automobile related offense other than speeding. Everything from failing to use a turn signal to vehicular manslaughter. A few examples of traffic infractions include:
- Failing to use a turn signal (subject to fines of up to $95
- Failing to obey a stop sign or stop light (note: yellow light means stop if it is safe to do so) Failure to stop for a school bus (fines of up to $180) Improper U-turns (fines of up to $100) Failure to provide another driver their right of way
- Hit and run (might be either a misdemeanor or a felony)
- Faulty vehicle equipment (suck as a broken taillight or turn signal)
- Failure to wear a seatbelt (front seat passengers, and all children between the ages of four and fifteen must wear one)
Conclusion
When it comes to encounters with the law, the most common cause is a traffic or speeding violation. The average person may never be arrested for any other crime, but will likely have several encounters with a traffic cop and at least one speeding or traffic ticket. Therefore it is important to understand the traffic and speeding laws of your state, as well as how to protect yourself if you find yourself at the wrong end of one.
For more information on Traffic Laws In the State of Michigan watch the video below and check out the Goldman and Associates YouTube channel for more videos on everything relating to law in Michigan. Make sure to give our attorneys a call if you have any questions.
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