INCLUDE ROAD COMMISSION VEHICLES

AS AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES

House Bill 4057

Sponsor:  Rep. Jeff Mayes

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 10-24-05

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4057 AS INTRODUCED 1-27-05

House Bill 4057 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to expand the definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" to include road commission vehicles.

Currently under the law, an authorized emergency vehicle is defined to mean a vehicle from a fire or police department; an ambulance; a vehicle operated by a volunteer or paid fire fighter (if authorized by a fire chief); a vehicle operated by a paid or volunteer member of a life support agency (licensed by the Department of Consumer and Industry Services); a vehicle operated by a federally recognized nonprofit charitable organization; and, a road service vehicle outfitted with a flashing red or amber light.  House Bill 4057 would retain these provisions, and expand them to include "a road commission vehicle."  In addition, the bill would change the reference to the licensing agency for life support vehicles from the Department of Consumer and Industry Services to the Department of Community Health.

Under the vehicle code, authorized emergency vehicles receive special treatment.  For example, under Section 603, drivers of such vehicles can: park or stand, irrespective of the act; proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign; exceed prima facie speed limits, so long as they do not endanger life or property; and disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in a specified direction.  Vehicles, however, must meet requirements regarding audible signals and special lights.

MCL 257.2

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                                          

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.