MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 300 of 1949 OPERATION OF BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES AND TOY VEHICLES

257.656 Violations of MCL 257.656 to 257.661a as civil infractions; duty of parent or guardian; regulations applicable to bicycles and motorcycles.

Sec. 656.

(1) A person who violates any of sections 656 to 661a is responsible for a civil infraction.

(2) The parent of a child or the guardian of a ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this chapter.

(3) The regulations applicable to bicycles under sections 656 to 662 shall apply when a bicycle is operated upon a highway or upon a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, subject to those exceptions stated in sections 656 to 662.

(4) The regulations applicable to motorcycles in sections 656 to 662 shall be considered supplementary to other provisions of this chapter governing the operation of motorcycles.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1978, Act 510, Eff. Aug. 1, 1979

257.657 Rights and duties of persons riding bicycle, electric bicycle, electric skateboard, electric personal assistive mobility device, moped, low-speed vehicle, or commercial quadricycle.

Sec. 657.

Each person riding a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric skateboard, or moped or operating a low-speed vehicle or commercial quadricycle upon a roadway has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle under this chapter, except for special regulations in this article and except for the provisions of this chapter that by their nature do not apply.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1976, Act 439, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1977 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 82, Eff. July 1, 2000 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 494, Imd. Eff. July 3, 2002 ;-- Am. 2015, Act 126, Imd. Eff. July 15, 2015 ;-- Am. 2017, Act 139, Eff. Jan. 28, 2018 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 204, Eff. Sept. 18, 2018

257.657a Operation of golf cart on village, city, or township streets or state trunk line highway.

Sec. 657a.

(1) A village or city having a population of fewer than 30,000 individuals based upon the 2010 decennial census may by resolution allow the operation of golf carts on the streets of that village or city, subject to the requirements of this section. A township having a population of fewer than 30,000 individuals based upon the 2010 decennial census may by resolution, unless disapproved by the county board of commissioners under subsection (3), allow the operation of golf carts on the streets of that township, subject to the requirements of this section.

(2) If a village, city, or township allows the operation of golf carts on the streets of that village, city, or township, that village, city, or township may require those golf carts and the operators of those golf carts to be recorded on a list maintained by that village, city, or township. A village, city, or township shall not charge a fee for listing golf carts or the operators of those golf carts.

(3) A county board of commissioners may, by resolution, disapprove the operation of golf carts on the streets of a township located within that county if the county board of commissioners conducts a hearing and determines that 1 or more of the following apply:

(a) The operation of golf carts on the streets of that township would cause significant environmental damage.

(b) The operation of golf carts on the streets of that township would cause a significant concern of public safety.

(4) The county board of commissioners shall provide public notice of a hearing under subsection (3) at least 45 days before the hearing is conducted. The county board of commissioners shall also provide written notice of a hearing under subsection (3) to the township at least 45 days before the hearing is conducted.

(5) A person shall not operate a golf cart on any street unless he or she is at least 16 years old and is licensed to operate a motor vehicle.

(6) The operator of a golf cart shall comply with the signal requirements of section 648 that apply to the operation of a vehicle.

(7) A person operating a golf cart upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or a vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

(8) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (9), a person shall not operate a golf cart on a state trunk line highway. This subsection does not prohibit a person from crossing a state trunk line highway when operating a golf cart on a street of a village, city, or township, using the most direct line of crossing.

(9) The legislative body of a local unit of government may request the state transportation department to authorize the local unit of government to adopt an ordinance authorizing the operation of golf carts on a state trunk line highway, other than an interstate highway, located within the local unit of government. The request shall describe how the authorization would meet the requirements of subsection (10). The state transportation department shall solicit comment on the request from the local units of government where the state trunk line highway is located. The state transportation department shall consider comments received on the request before making a decision on the request. The state transportation department shall grant the request in whole or in part or deny the request not more than 60 days after the request is received. If the state transportation department grants a request in whole or in part under this subsection, the local unit of government that submitted the request may adopt an ordinance authorizing the operation of golf carts on the state trunk line highway that was the subject of the request. A county may submit a request for authorization under this subsection on behalf of 1 or more local units of government located within that county if requested by those local units of government.

(10) The state transportation department shall authorize operation of a golf cart under subsection (9) only on a state trunk line highway that is not an interstate highway within a local unit of government that has already adopted an ordinance under subsection (1), that serves as a connector between portions of the local unit of government that only connect through the state trunk line highway, and that meets 1 or more of the following requirements:

(a) Provides access to tourist attractions, food service establishments, fuel, motels, or other services.

(b) Serves as a connector between 2 segments of the same county road that run along discontinuous town lines.

(c) Includes a bridge or culvert that allows a golf cart to cross a river, stream, wetland, or gully that is not crossed by a street or county road on which golf carts are authorized to operate under an ordinance adopted as provided in subsection (1).

(11) The state transportation department may permanently or temporarily close a state trunk line highway to the operation of golf carts otherwise authorized under subsection (9) after written notice to the clerk of the local unit of government that requested the authorization under subsection (9). The notice shall be in writing and sent by first-class United States mail or personally delivered not less than 30 days before the adoption of the rule or order closing the state trunk line highway. The notice shall set forth specific reasons for the closure. The state transportation department is not required to develop a plan for an alternate route for a state trunk line highway that it has temporarily closed to the operation of golf carts.

(12) Where a usable and designated path for golf carts is provided adjacent to a highway or street, a person operating a golf cart may, by local ordinance, be required to use that path.

(13) A person operating a golf cart shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the left of traffic moving in his or her direction in the case of a 2-way street or on the left or right of traffic in the case of a 1-way street, in an unoccupied lane.

(14) A golf cart shall not be operated on a sidewalk constructed for the use of pedestrians.

(15) A golf cart shall be operated at a speed not to exceed 15 miles per hour and shall not be operated on a state trunk line highway or a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 30 miles per hour except to cross that state trunk line highway or highway or street. A village, city, or township may, by resolution, designate roads or classifications of roads for use by golf carts under this subsection.

(16) A golf cart shall not be operated on a state trunk line highway or the streets of a city, village, or township during the time period from 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise.

(17) A person operating a golf cart or who is a passenger in a golf cart is not required to wear a crash helmet.

(18) A person operating a golf cart on a state trunk line highway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.

(19) This section does not apply to a police officer in the performance of his or her official duties.

(20) A golf cart operated on a street of a village, city, or township under this section is not required to be registered under this act for purposes of section 3101 of the insurance code of 1956, 1956 PA 218, MCL 500.3101.

(21) As used in this section, "golf cart" means a vehicle designed for transportation while playing the game of golf. A village, city, or township may require a golf cart registered within its jurisdiction to meet any or all of the following vehicle safety requirements of a low-speed vehicle for approval under this section:

(a) At least 2 headlamps that comply with section 685.

(b) At least 1 tail lamp that complies with section 686.

(d) At least 1 red reflector on each side of the golf cart as far to the rear as practicable and 1 red reflector on the rear of the golf cart as required for low-speed vehicles by 49 CFR 571.500.

(e) One exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the golf cart and either 1 exterior mirror mounted on the passenger side of the golf cart or 1 interior mirror as required for low-speed vehicles by 49 CFR 571.500.

(f) Brakes and a parking brake that comply with section 704.

(g) A horn that complies with section 706.

(h) A windshield that complies with section 708a.

(i) A manufacturer's identification number permanently affixed to the frame of the golf cart.

(j) Safety belts that comply with section 710a and that are used as required by section 710e.

(k) The crash helmet requirements applicable to low-speed vehicles under section 658b.

History: Add. 2014, Act 491, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 2015 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 139, Eff. Aug. 8, 2018

257.658 Riding on seat of bicycle, motorcycle, moped, electric skateboard, or electric personal assistive mobility device; number of persons; wearing of crash helmet; conditions; rules; requirements for autocycle.

Sec. 658.

(1) A person propelling a bicycle or operating a motorcycle or moped shall not ride other than upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle.

(2) A bicycle or motorcycle shall not be used to carry more persons at 1 time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

(3) An electric personal assistive mobility device or an electric skateboard shall not be used to carry more than 1 person at a time.

(4) A person less than 19 years of age operating a moped on a public thoroughfare shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. A person less than 19 years of age operating an electric skateboard shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. Except as provided in subsection (5), a person operating or riding on a motorcycle shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head.

(5) The following conditions apply to a person 21 years of age or older operating or riding on a motorcycle, as applicable:

(a) A person who is operating a motorcycle is not required to wear a crash helmet on his or her head if he or she has had a motorcycle endorsement on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license for not less than 2 years or the person passes a motorcycle safety course conducted under section 811a or 811b and satisfies the requirements of subdivision (c).

(b) A person who is riding on a motorcycle is not required to wear a crash helmet on his or her head if the person or the operator of the motorcycle satisfies the requirements of subdivision (c).

(c) A person who is operating a motorcycle and a person who is riding on a motorcycle are not required to wear crash helmets on their heads if the operator of the motorcycle or the rider has in effect security for the first-party medical benefits payable in the event that he or she is involved in a motorcycle accident, as provided in section 3103 of the insurance code of 1956, 1956 PA 218, MCL 500.3103, in 1 of the following amounts, as applicable:

(i) A motorcycle operator without a rider, not less than $20,000.00.

(ii) A motorcycle operator with a rider, not less than $20,000.00 per person per occurrence. However, if the rider has security in an amount not less than $20,000.00, then the operator is only required to have security in the amount of not less than $20,000.00.

(6) Crash helmets shall be approved by the department of state police. The department of state police shall promulgate rules for the implementation of this section under the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328. Rules in effect on June 1, 1970, apply to helmets required by this act.

(7) The crash helmet requirements under this section do not apply to a person operating or riding in an autocycle if the vehicle is equipped with a roof that meets or exceeds standards for a crash helmet.

(8) A person operating or riding in an autocycle shall wear seat belts when on a public highway in this state.

(9) A person under the age of 12 shall not operate an electric skateboard on a public highway or street.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1959, Act 260, Eff. Mar. 19, 1960 ;-- Am. 1966, Act 207, Eff. Mar. 10, 1967 ;-- Am. 1968, Act 141, Imd. Eff. June 12, 1968 ;-- Am. 1969, Act 118, Eff. Sept. 1, 1969 ;-- Am. 1969, Act 134, Eff. June 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 24, Imd. Eff. June 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1976, Act 439, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1977 ;-- Am. 1983, Act 91, Imd. Eff. June 16, 1983 ;-- Am. 1984, Act 328, Imd. Eff. Dec. 26, 1984 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 494, Imd. Eff. July 3, 2002 ;-- Am. 2012, Act 98, Imd. Eff. Apr. 13, 2012 ;-- Am. 2012, Act 589, Eff. Mar. 28, 2013 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 204, Eff. Sept. 18, 2018
Constitutionality: The legislature may reasonably require that helmets be worn with a view to mitigating potential civil and criminal liability of drivers who collide with motorcycles. People v Poucher, 398 Mich 316; 247 NW2d 798 (1976).
Popular Name: Helmet Law
Admin Rule: R 28.901 et seq. and R 28.951 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.

257.658a Seats and foot rests; requirements; exception; violation as civil infraction.

Sec. 658a.

(1) In addition to the requirements of section 658, a motorcycle shall be equipped with adequate seats and foot rests or pegs for each designated seating position. Foot rests or pegs must be securely attached. A passenger shall not ride on a motorcycle unless his or her feet can rest on the assigned foot rests or pegs except that this requirement does not apply to a person who is unable to reach the foot rests or pegs due to a permanent physical disability.

(2) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.

History: Add. 1995, Act 68, Eff. Jan. 1, 1996

257.658b Crash helmet required; exception.

Sec. 658b.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person operating or riding in a low-speed vehicle shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. The crash helmet shall meet the requirements of the rules promulgated by the department of state police under section 658.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person operating or riding in a low-speed vehicle equipped with a roof that meets or exceeds the standards for roof-crush resistance, provided under 49 C.F.R. 571.500.

History: Add. 2000, Act 82, Eff. July 1, 2000

257.659 Riding while attached to streetcar or vehicle.

Sec. 659.

A person riding upon a bicycle, moped or motorcycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall not attach the same or himself to a streetcar or vehicle upon a roadway.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1976, Act 439, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1977

257.660 Electric personal assistive mobility device, low-speed vehicle, commercial quadricycle; electric skateboard, or moped; operation; limitations; applicability to police officer; regulation by local government; prohibitions; regulation by department of natural resources.

Sec. 660.

(1) A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device, low-speed vehicle, electric skateboard, or moped upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, shall exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or a vehicle proceeding in the same direction, and shall not block, delay, or otherwise interfere with the movement of a streetcar on a streetcar track.

(2) A motorcycle is entitled to full use of a lane, and a motor vehicle must not be driven in such a manner as to deprive a motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles operated 2 abreast in a single lane or to the operation of a motorcycle in a manner that blocks, delays, or otherwise interferes with the movement of a streetcar on a streetcar track.

(3) A person riding an electric personal assistive mobility device, motorcycle, electric skateboard, or moped upon a roadway shall not ride more than 2 abreast except on a path or part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive use of those vehicles.

(4) Where a usable and designated path for bicycles is provided adjacent to a highway or street, a person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device or electric skateboard may, by local ordinance, be required to use that path.

(5) A person operating a motorcycle, moped, low-speed vehicle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or electric skateboard shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the left of traffic moving in his or her direction in the case of a 2-way street or on the left or right of traffic in the case of a 1-way street, in an unoccupied lane.

(6) A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device or electric skateboard on a sidewalk constructed for the use of pedestrians shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing the pedestrian.

(7) A moped, low-speed vehicle, or commercial quadricycle must not be operated on a sidewalk constructed for the use of pedestrians.

(8) A low-speed vehicle or commercial quadricycle must not be operated at a speed of more than 25 miles per hour. A low-speed vehicle must not be operated on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour except for the purpose of crossing that highway or street. A commercial quadricycle must not be operated on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour except for the purpose of crossing that highway or street. An individual shall not operate a commercial quadricycle that is equipped with a motor unless he or she has a valid operator's license issued under this act. The state transportation department may prohibit the operation of a low-speed vehicle or commercial quadricycle on any highway or street under its jurisdiction if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety.

(9) This section does not apply to a police officer in the performance of his or her official duties.

(10) An electric personal assistive mobility device must not be operated at a speed of more than 15 miles per hour and must not be operated on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour except to cross that highway or street.

(11) An electric skateboard must not be operated at a speed of more than 25 miles per hour. An electric skateboard that does not have handlebars must not be operated on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour except to cross that highway or street, and an electric skateboard equipped with handlebars must not be operated on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour except to cross that highway or street.

(12) The governing body of a county, a city, a village, an entity created under the urban cooperation act of 1967, 1967 (Ex Sess) PA 7, MCL 124.501 to 124.512, or a township may, by ordinance based on the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens, regulate the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric skateboards, or commercial quadricycles on sidewalks, highways or streets, or crosswalks. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a governing body of a county, city, village, entity created under the urban cooperation act of 1967, 1967 (Ex Sess) PA 7, MCL 124.501 to 124.512, or township may prohibit the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric skateboards or commercial quadricycles in an area open to pedestrian traffic adjacent to a waterfront or on a trail under its jurisdiction, in a downtown or central business district, or on a street that includes streetcar tracks. Signs indicating the regulation must be conspicuously posted in the area where the use of an electric personal assistive mobility device, electric skateboard, or commercial quadricycle is regulated.

(13) Operation of an electric personal assistive mobility device or electric skateboard is prohibited in a special charter city and a state park under the jurisdiction of the Mackinac Island State Park commission.

(14) Operation of an electric personal assistive mobility device or electric skateboard may be prohibited in a historic district.

(15) The department of natural resources may by order regulate the use of electric personal assistive mobility devices or electric skateboards on all lands under its control.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1966, Act 207, Eff. Mar. 10, 1967 ;-- Am. 1969, Act 134, Eff. June 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1975, Act 209, Imd. Eff. Aug. 25, 1975 ;-- Am. 1975, Act 273, Eff. Mar. 31, 1976 ;-- Am. 1976, Act 439, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1977 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 348, Eff. Mar. 30, 1995 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 82, Eff. July 1, 2000 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 494, Imd. Eff. July 3, 2002 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 339, Imd. Eff. Aug. 15, 2006 ;-- Am. 2015, Act 126, Imd. Eff. July 15, 2015 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 204, Eff. Sept. 18, 2018 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 394, Eff. Mar. 19, 2019 ;-- Am. 2021, Act 43, Imd. Eff. July 1, 2021
Compiler's Notes: For transfer of powers and duties of department of natural resources to department of natural resources and environment, and abolishment of department of natural resources, see E.R.O. No. 2009-31, compiled at MCL 324.99919.For transfer of powers and duties of department of natural resources and environment to department of natural resources, see E.R.O. No. 2011-1, compiled at MCL 324.99921.

257.660a Operation of bicycle upon highway or street; riding close to right-hand curb or edge of roadway; exceptions.

Sec. 660a.

A person operating a bicycle upon a highway or street at less than the existing speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except as follows:

(a) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

(b) When preparing to turn left.

(c) When conditions make the right-hand edge of the roadway unsafe or reasonably unusable by bicycles, including, but not limited to, surface hazards, an uneven roadway surface, drain openings, debris, parked or moving vehicles or bicycles, pedestrians, animals, or other obstacles, or if the lane is too narrow to permit a vehicle to safely overtake and pass a bicycle.

(d) When operating a bicycle in a lane in which the traffic is turning right but the individual intends to go straight through the intersection.

(e) When operating a bicycle upon a 1-way highway or street that has 2 or more marked traffic lanes, in which case the individual may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable.

(f) When riding as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway would block, delay, or otherwise interfere with the movement of a streetcar on a streetcar track.

History: Add. 2006, Act 339, Imd. Eff. Aug. 15, 2006 ;-- Am. 2021, Act 43, Imd. Eff. July 1, 2021
Compiler's Notes: Former MCL 257.660a, which pertained to operation of bicycle with motor, was repealed by Act 439 of 1976, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1997.

257.660b Operation of bicycle upon highway or street; riding more than 2 abreast.

Sec. 660b.

Two or more individuals operating bicycles upon a highway or street shall not ride more than 2 abreast except upon a path or portion of the highway or street set aside for the use of bicycles.

History: Add. 2006, Act 339, Imd. Eff. Aug. 15, 2006

257.660c Operation of bicycle upon sidewalk or pedestrian crosswalk.

Sec. 660c.

(1) An individual operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

(2) An individual shall not operate a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk if that operation is prohibited by an official traffic control device.

(3) An individual lawfully operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk has all of the rights and responsibilities applicable to a pedestrian using that sidewalk or crosswalk.

History: Add. 2006, Act 339, Imd. Eff. Aug. 15, 2006

257.660d Parking bicycle or electric skateboard on sidewalk, highway, or street.

Sec. 660d.

(1) An individual may park a bicycle or an electric skateboard equipped with handlebars on a sidewalk except as prohibited by an official traffic control device.

(2) An individual shall not park a bicycle or an electric skateboard equipped with handlebars on a sidewalk in such a manner that the bicycle or electric skateboard equipped with handlebars impedes the lawful movement of pedestrians or other traffic.

(3) An individual may park a bicycle or an electric skateboard equipped with handlebars on a highway or street at any location where parking is allowed for motor vehicles, may park at any angle to the curb or the edge of the highway, and may park abreast of another bicycle or electric skateboard equipped with handlebars.

(4) An individual shall not park a bicycle or an electric skateboard equipped with handlebars on a highway or street in such a manner as to obstruct the movement of a legally parked motor vehicle or as to block, delay, or otherwise interfere with the movement of a streetcar on a streetcar track.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an individual parking a bicycle or an electric skateboard equipped with handlebars on a highway or street shall do so in compliance with this act and any local ordinance.

History: Add. 2006, Act 339, Imd. Eff. Aug. 15, 2006 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 394, Eff. Mar. 19, 2019 ;-- Am. 2021, Act 43, Imd. Eff. July 1, 2021

257.661 Carrying package, bundle, or article on bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, moped, or motorcycle.

Sec. 661.

A person operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, moped, or motorcycle shall not carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping both hands upon the handlebars of the vehicle.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1966, Act 207, Eff. Mar. 10, 1967 ;-- Am. 1976, Act 439, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1977 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 494, Imd. Eff. July 3, 2002

257.661a Handlebars of motorcycle or moped.

Sec. 661a.

A person shall not operate on a public highway of this state a motorcycle or moped equipped with handlebars that are higher than 30 inches from the lowest point of the undepressed saddle to the highest point of the handle grip of the operator.

History: Add. 1969, Act 134, Eff. June 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1976, Act 439, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1977 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 160, Imd. Eff. May 23, 2018

257.662 Bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric skateboard, or commercial quadricycle; equipment; violation as civil infraction.

Sec. 662.

(1) A bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric skateboard, or commercial quadricycle being operated on a roadway between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear that shall be visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.

(2) A bicycle shall be equipped with a brake that enables the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

(3) An electric personal assistive mobility device, electric skateboard, or commercial quadricycle shall enable the operator to bring it to a controlled stop.

(4) A person shall not sell, offer for sale, or deliver for sale in this state a bicycle or a pedal for use on a bicycle, either of which was manufactured after January 1, 1976, unless it is equipped with a type of reflex reflector located on the front and rear surfaces of the pedal. The reflector elements may be either integral with the construction of the pedal or mechanically attached, but shall be sufficiently recessed from the edge of the pedal, or of the reflector housing, to prevent contact of the reflector element with a flat surface placed in contact with the edge of the pedal. The pedal reflectors shall be visible from the front and rear of the bicycle during the nighttime from a distance of 200 feet when directly exposed to the lower beam head lamps of a motor vehicle.

(5) A person shall not sell, offer for sale, or deliver for sale in this state a bicycle manufactured after January 1, 1976 or an electric personal assistive mobility device unless it is equipped with either tires that have reflective sidewalls or with wide-angle prismatic spoke reflectors. If the bicycle or the electric personal assistive mobility device is manufactured with reflective sidewalls, the reflective portion of the sidewall shall form a continuous circle on the sidewall, and may not be removed from the tire without removal of tire material. If the bicycle is equipped with wide-angle prismatic spoke reflectors, the reflectors of the front wheel shall be essentially colorless or amber, and the reflectors on the rear wheel shall be essentially colorless or red. Reflective sidewalls or spoke reflectors shall cause the bicycle to be visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet when viewed under lawful low beam motor vehicle head lamps under normal atmospheric conditions.

(6) A person who violates subsection (1) or (2) is responsible for a civil infraction.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1975, Act 209, Imd. Eff. Aug. 25, 1975 ;-- Am. 1978, Act 510, Eff. Aug. 1, 1979 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 131, Imd. Eff. June 1, 2000 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 494, Imd. Eff. July 3, 2002 ;-- Am. 2015, Act 126, Imd. Eff. July 15, 2015 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 204, Eff. Sept. 18, 2018

257.662a Electric bicycle; rights of individual; label to be affixed by manufacturer or distributor; tampering with or modification of electric bicycle prohibited; requirements applicable to class 3 electric bicycle; compliance with federal requirements; operation on highway or within city; operation of class 1, class 2, or class 3 electric bicycle on certain trails; compliance with Americans with disabilities act of 1990 and persons with disabilities civil rights act; public hearing; inapplicability of subsections (6) to (10) to use of electric bicycles on congressionally authorized public trail system.

Sec. 662a.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an individual riding an electric bicycle is subject to the same requirements under this act as an individual riding a bicycle.

(2) Beginning on January 1, 2018, a manufacturer or distributor of electric bicycles offered for sale or distribution in this state shall permanently affix in a prominent location on the electric bicycle a label that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle. The label required under this subsection shall be printed in Arial font and shall be at least 9-point type.

(3) A person shall not tamper with or modify an electric bicycle so as to change the manufactured motor-powered speed capability or motor engagement of the electric bicycle without replacing the label required under subsection (2) with an appropriate label printed in Arial font and in at least 9-point type. For purposes of this act, a device shall not be considered an electric bicycle if the motor is modified in a manner that no longer meets the criteria described in section 13e, or if the motor exceeds 750 watts.

(4) All of the following apply to a class 3 electric bicycle:

(a) A class 3 electric bicycle shall not be operated by an individual less than 14 years of age. An individual less than 14 years of age may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers.

(b) An individual less than 18 years of age who operates or rides as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets federal standards established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials.

(5) An electric bicycle shall comply with applicable equipment and manufacturing requirements for electric bicycles established under federal law, including standards adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and compiled in 16 CFR part 1512.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (7), an individual may operate an electric bicycle on any part of a highway that is open to a bicycle, including, but not limited to, a lane designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and the shoulder.

(7) An individual shall not operate an electric bicycle within a city that prohibits the use of nonemergency motor vehicles, unless the city council of that city, by majority vote, adopts a resolution allowing the operation of electric bicycles within city limits. An individual shall not operate an electric bicycle within the Mackinac Island State Park, unless he or she has obtained the required permit from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission created in part 767 of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.76701 to 324.76709, or unless the Mackinac Island State Park Commission authorizes the operation of electric bicycles within its jurisdiction. If a city described in this subsection or the Mackinac Island State Park Commission authorizes the operation of electric bicycles within its jurisdiction, the city or the Mackinac Island State Park Commission may regulate the operation of electric bicycles within its jurisdiction.

(8) An individual may operate a class 1 electric bicycle on a linear trail that has an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or a rail trail. A local authority or agency of this state having jurisdiction over a trail described in this subsection may regulate or prohibit the operation of a class 1 electric bicycle on that trail.

(9) An individual may operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle on a linear trail that has an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or a rail trail if authorized by the local authority or agency of this state having jurisdiction over the trail.

(10) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an individual shall not operate an electric bicycle on a trail that is designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread that is made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials. A local authority or agency of this state having jurisdiction over a trail described in this subsection may allow and regulate the operation of an electric bicycle on that trail.

(11) This state or a local authority or agency of this state shall administer the provisions of this section in a manner that complies with the Americans with disabilities act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, and the persons with disabilities civil rights act, 1976 PA 220, MCL 37.1101 to 37.1607.

(12) Before an entity described in subsections (7) to (10) may prohibit, authorize, or regulate the use of electric bicycles within its jurisdiction, that entity shall hold a public hearing on the matter.

(13) Subsections (6) to (10) do not apply to the use of electric bicycles on a congressionally authorized public trail system.

History: Add. 2017, Act 139, Eff. Jan. 28, 2018

Rendered 3/24/2025 3:21 PM
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 2 of 2025
Courtesy of legislature.mi.gov