PENALTY FOR RECKLESS DRIVING H.B. 5820 (H-1): COMMITTEE SUMMARY
House Bill 5820 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Alexander C. Lipsey
House Committee: Criminal Justice
Senate Committee: Judiciary
Date Completed: 7-6-04
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to increase the maximum penalty for reckless driving.
Under the Code, a person who drives a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other place open to the general public, including an area designated for parking, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property is guilty of reckless driving, which is punishable by up to 90 days' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $100, or both. The bill would identify a violation as a misdemeanor and raise the maximum punishment to 93 days' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500, or both.
MCL 257.626 Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State. Local units would incur any additional probation and incarceration costs while public libraries would benefit from additional penal fine revenue.
Fiscal Analyst: Bethany Wicksall
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. 5820/0304