Keep Your Distance

As I write this article, Southeast Michigan is expecting up to four inches of snow, which means that snowplows and salt trucks will be out in force. “That’s nice,” you say, “but how does that affect me?” Well, it could make a difference to your wallet. For the first time, Michigan drivers can be ticketed for following too close behind a moving snowplow or salt truck.

Under a new law passed last summer, drivers must stay at least 200 feet behind a moving snowplow or salt truck. You can think of that as at least 13 car lengths or two-thirds of the length of a football field. If the service truck is stopped at a light or stop sign, we must keep at least 20 feet behind it.

If we feel the need to pass a service truck, we may do so. However, we may only pass on the left, and the Michigan State Police urge us to exercise extreme caution while passing.

If we encounter a plow or salt truck coming from the opposite direction, the State Police advise us to turn on our wipers, slow down, and move over to the right if we can do so safely.

On a related note, Michigan’s Move Over Law applies to service vehicles. If we come upon a stationary snowplow or salt truck, we must slow down to at least 10 miles per hour below the speed limit and move over to an open lane. Failure to comply can result in penalties and fines.

We do our best at Wright Beamer to keep abreast of changing laws that affect our day-to-day lives. If we can help, please reach out at 248.477.6300.

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