Bill > HB4597

This bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to significantly expand local governments' authority to establish modified speed limits on highways within their jurisdiction. Under the new provisions, counties, townships, cities, and villages can now determine and enforce speed limit changes with fewer restrictions, subject to several key requirements. These include obtaining prior written approval from the local chief of police or law enforcement officer, holding a public hearing with at least 14 days' notice, and considering factors such as public safety, community character, traffic flow, roadway features, and environmental concerns. The bill allows local governments to set speed limits in 5-mile-per-hour increments without requiring a formal traffic or engineering study, and mandates that if a highway connects multiple jurisdictions, all affected local governments must agree on the speed limit. The state transportation department is tasked with developing best practices for setting speed limits and providing technical assistance to local governments. Law enforcement agencies are required to monitor the implementation of these new speed limits to ensure compliance with safety standards. This legislation aims to give local authorities more flexibility in managing traffic speeds while maintaining a framework for safety and public input.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4597