Bill > SB0216

This bill enhances legal protections and penalties for vulnerable roadway users in Michigan by defining who qualifies as a vulnerable roadway user and establishing stricter consequences for moving violations that cause injury or death to these users. The bill defines vulnerable roadway users as pedestrians, individuals using roller skates, inline skates, nonmotorized scooters, skateboards, wheelchairs, those riding or driving equine-drawn vehicles, postal workers on rural routes, and people using certain low-powered transportation devices like electric bicycles and personal mobility devices. The legislation introduces graduated criminal penalties for moving violations causing harm to vulnerable roadway users, including misdemeanor charges for causing injury, felony charges for serious injuries requiring hospitalization, and felony charges with up to 10 years imprisonment for causing death. These penalties apply when the vulnerable roadway user is in compliance with traffic laws. The bill also modifies various sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code to support these new provisions, including updating point systems for traffic violations, defining terms, and ensuring that individuals can be charged with additional offenses beyond the moving violation itself. The changes aim to increase safety and accountability for drivers interacting with more vulnerable road users.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0216