TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT ON PRIVATE ROADS

House Bill 4416

Sponsor:  Rep. Frank Foster

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 4-27-11

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4416 AS INTRODUCED 3-15-11

House Bill 4416 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a county to contract with the owner, or person in charge, of a private road to enforce traffic laws on that road, in the same way that cities, townships, and villages already can.

Under certain conditions, peace officers may enforce provisions of the Michigan Vehicle Code on private roads open to the general public, such as in subdivisions.

Specifically, at present, a city, township, or village may contract with a person who owns or is in charge of a private road that is open to the general public, at that person's request or with that person's consent, to enforce provisions of the vehicle code on that private road.  A peace officer is authorized to enter upon a private road open to the general public to enforce provisions of the act if signs meeting the requirements of the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices are posted on the private road.  (Responsibility for the cost and posting of the signs is with the owner or person in charge of the road who entered into a contract as described above.)  The bill would provide the same authority to counties.

MCL 257.601a)

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal information at present.  Note that the bill applies only to counties and is permissive.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky           

■ 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.