On March 28, 2001, a law went into effect (sec. 257.653a) in Michigan called the ” Emergency Vehicle Caution Law.” The law states:
On Roads With Two or More Lanes of Travel in the Same Direction
* The driver of a vehicle traveling on a highway designed with two or more lanes of travel in the same direction shall, upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated, carefully move into an open lane at least one lane away from the emergency vehicle.
If the above is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, the driver shall slow down and pass with caution, allowing the emergency vehicle as much space as possible.
What About Roads With One Lane of Travel for Each Direction?
* The driver of a vehicle traveling on a roadway which has only one lane of travel for each direction shall, upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated, carefully move over into the open lane IF POSSIBLE. If this is not possible due to weather, road conditions, the driver shall slow down and pass with extreme caution, allowing the emergency vehicle as much space as possible.
THE PENALTY
A Person found responsible for violating this new law is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to enhanced penalties of up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine if the violation causes injury or death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response Personal.
Why The Law is Necessary
All to often police officers and other emergency responders are killed or injured while stopped alongside the road during the course of their duties. These responders are our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and friends. These people are putting their lives on the line to protect us, please obey the law.
Source: Michigan State Police, Traffic Service Section
www.michigan.gov/msp