AUDIBLE SIGNAL REQUIREMENT

House Bill 5504 as reported from committee

Sponsor:  Rep. Robert Wittenberg

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 2-21-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5504 would amend section 636 of the Michigan Vehicle Code to remove the requirement of an audible signal upon which the driver of an overtaken vehicle must give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle.

Currently, on roads where passing on the right is not permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle must yield to the right on audible signal and not increase speed until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. The bill would remove the audible signal requirement.

In other words, under the bill, slower drivers in the left lane would have to get out of the way even when they haven’t been honked at.

MCL 257.636

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

According to committee testimony, the requirement of an audible signal when a vehicle is overtaken and passed is an outdated and unenforced provision that dates from an era before cars came equipped standard with mirrors. As was noted in testimony, in today’s world, “if you give someone an audible signal when you’re passing them, you’re probably going to get a visual signal in response.”

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on state or local governments.

POSITIONS:

A representative of the Michigan State Police testified in support of the bill. (2-13-18)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Michael Cnossen

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