Transportation: school vehicles; procedures when approaching a school bus displaying yellow flashing lights; modify. Amends secs. 601b & 682 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.601b & 257.682).
Impact
The bill is anticipated to have a considerable impact on state traffic laws by categorizing certain moving violations as more severe when they occur in specified areas. Offenders could face a civil fine up to $500 for passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights, and if injuries or fatalities occur as a result of these violations, charges may escalate to misdemeanors or felonies with significant monetary fines and prison sentences. This creates a legal framework that prioritizes safety in environments frequented by children and emergency services.
Summary
House Bill 4214 aims to amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to increase penalties for moving violations that occur in sensitive areas such as work zones, emergency scenes, and school zones. The proposed legislation will impose double fines for moving violations in these areas during specific time frames, particularly 30 minutes before and after school hours. This bill reflects a significant focus on enhancing the safety of school children and workers on the road and aims to deter reckless driving in designated zones.
Contention
While supporters argue that the bill is essential for promoting traffic safety, opposition exists regarding the reliance on camera systems for enforcement. Critics express concerns over potential privacy issues and the effectiveness of automated systems, suggesting that they may not account for situational variables and could lead to unjust penalties. Additionally, there is debate about whether harsher penalties will truly result in better compliance or merely increase the financial burdens on drivers.
Transportation: school vehicles; school bus stop-arm cameras; allow, and provide civil sanctions for violations. Amends secs. 682, 741, 742 & 909 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.682 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4929'23, HB 4930'23
Criminal procedure: sentencing; mandatory sentencing for certain crimes in the vehicle code; require. Amends secs. 601b, 602a, 617 & 625 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.601b et seq.).
Vehicles: wreckers; use of flares and blue lights on tow trucks; allow. Amends secs. 2, 698, 716 & 907 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.2 et seq.) & adds sec. 682d.
Transportation: school vehicles; school bus stop-arm cameras; allow. Amends secs. 5 & 20 of 1990 PA 187 (MCL 257.1805 & 257.1820). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4928'23
Traffic control: violations; penalties for operating a vehicle while sending or receiving a message on an electronic wireless device; enhance. Amends secs. 320a, 602b, 602c & 732 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.320a et seq.).
Traffic control: speed restrictions; use of automated traffic enforcement devices in work zones to enforce speed limit reductions; allow. Amends secs. 79d, 907 & 909 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.79d et seq.) & adds secs. 2c, 627c & 907a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4133'23
Transportation: other; requirements for passing a stopped vehicle; provide for. Amends sec. 653a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.653a) & repeals sec. 653b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.653b).
Criminal procedure: arrests; required removal of religious head coverings for police photographs; prohibit. Amends 1927 PA 175 (MCL 760.1 - 777.69) by adding sec. 25c to ch. IV.
Criminal procedure: arrests; required removal of religious head coverings for police photographs; prohibit. Amends 1927 PA 175 (MCL 760.1 - 777.69) by adding sec. 25c to ch. IV.
An Act To Amend Title 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Release And Publication Of The Name And Photograph Of Individuals Charged With Crimes Or Delinquency.