PROHIBIT SOLICITATION BY WRECKERS

AT SCENE OF ACCIDENT OR DISABLED VEHICLE

House Bill 5478

Sponsor:  Rep. Dale W. Zorn

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 9-26-12

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5478 AS INTRODUCED 3-14-12

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code by adding Section 676c to prohibit a person from traveling to the scene of a motor vehicle accident or disabled vehicle located on public property, on property open to the public, or on a state trunk line highway and solicit business for a wrecker, recovery, or towing service. 

This would not apply if a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the scene of the accident or disabled vehicle or an individual involved in the accident requests the owner or operation of a wrecker or towing service to come to the scene. 

Under the bill, a person found in violation would be responsible for a civil infraction and would be ordered to pay a civil fine of $1,000, as well as court costs.

MCL 257.907

FISCAL IMPACT:  

The bill would have in indeterminate fiscal impact on the judiciary. Courts may face increased costs due to processing any new civil infractions resulting from the bill, which would be partially or fully offset by fees paid on all civil infractions. Any additional civil fine revenue would benefit local libraries.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Erik Jonasson

■ 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.