If you’ve been driving for any number of years, you probably know the basic rules of the road. Don’t speed, stop at a stop sign, etc. However, there are some driving laws that aren’t as cut and dried. Over the years, you’ve probably wondered, “can I do this?” while driving. You’re not alone. Understanding Michigan driving laws is important as it will help you safely arrive from one location to another and minimize your risk of receiving a ticket. Here are several of Michigan’s driving laws explained so you can drive with confidence next time you’re out and about!
Is it legal to eat and drive?
Currently, it’s legal to eat and drive in the state of Michigan. However, distracted driving could result in you being stopped or causing an accident. We recommend stopping to eat if possible to avoid potential issues. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Can I drive barefoot?
There is no law against driving barefoot while in the state of Michigan. Actually, there is no law against this in any state. So even when driving across state lines, you can let those puppies breathe; just be sure to roll down the windows as a courtesy to your passengers (haha).
Do I have to wear a seatbelt?
Michigan has a primary seat belt law. This means that the driver and front-seat passengers must be buckled. Furthermore, all passengers ages 8-15 must have a seat belt on no matter where they are sitting. We recommend taking the highest safety precautions and recommendations when it comes to wearing your seatbelt and with car seats.
Do my passengers have to wear a seatbelt?
Since the state of Michigan has a primary seat belt law, all passengers ages 8-15 must wear a seat belt at all times. The driver and any front-seat passengers must remain buckled as well. Furthermore, booster seats are required for children ages 4-8, and car seats are legally required for all children under 4.
How many people can legally ride in my car?
The number of passengers in a vehicle is dictated by the number of seatbelts available. So a vehicle with five seatbelts total can carry the driver and four additional passengers.
Further restrictions apply to select drivers. For example, drivers who are only 16 years of age or driving with a level 2 restricted license may only drive with one passenger under the age of 21 in the car. Exceptions include
- The passengers are family
- The driver’s parent or legal guardian is in the car
- The driver is driving to an authorized activity such as work
Can passengers ride in the bed of my pickup?
It is unlawful for any passengers young than the age of 18 to ride in the bed of a pickup truck that is traveling faster than 15 mph on an open roadway.
Can I drive with my interior lights on?
There are no Michigan driving laws explicitly banning the use of interior lights while driving. However, the glow could cause glares while driving at night, making it harder to see and causing a potential accident.
Can I get a ticket for running a yellow light?
No. Driving through the intersection during a red light, or entering the intersection while the light is yellow may result in a citation and up to 3 points on your driving record.
What is a “Michigan left”?
A “Michigan left” is when drivers are prohibited from turning left at an intersection. Instead, they must continue forward and pull a U-turn followed by a right turn or turn right at the initial intersection pull a U-turn to reverse their direction.
Are tire chains legal in Michigan?
Tire chains are a great way to stay safe while driving in snow or ice. Thankfully, they are legal in Michigan so they’re simply considered a safety measure. However, it is illegal for tire chains to come in contact with the roadway, so be careful when installing them.
What do I do if the speed limit is not posted?
The answer varies depending on where you are. Furthermore, you must always drive carefully at an appropriate speed for the current conditions, or risk getting a ticket no matter the speed limit. Currently, the speed limit for unposted areas is:
Residential – 25mph Public roadways – 55mph Expressways – 75mph
Do I have to wear a motorcycle helmet?
Generally, you are required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Michigan. However, Michigan’s driving laws allow drivers who meet certain qualifications to ride a motorcycle without having to wear a helmet.
Can children ride in the front seat of the car?
Children under four must ride in the backseat in age and size-appropriate car seats. Children four to eight may ride in the front provided they are in an age, and size-appropriate booster seat, and children older than eight are allowed to ride in the front.
What to do If You Break A Michigan Driving Law
Despite your best efforts, it’s possible you may inadvertently break a driving law at some point. If you’re pulled over, even if you feel you’ve done nothing wrong, it’s best to speak apologetically and respectfully to the officer. If they give you a ticket you feel you don’t deserve, arguing on the side of the road probably won’t get you anywhere.
Instead, reach out to a qualified traffic court agency. Traffic court lawyers make it their mission to help provide legal representation to all parties who may have received a citation unjustly. There are many driving laws, and some are obscure. Traffic court agencies make it their mission to ensure that only absolute minimum penalties are exacted on those who have broken those laws. Reach out to an agent today with questions you may have about specific laws are a citation you have received.
We Can Help!
At Traffic Buddy, we believe that every individual should have access to legal representation for any traffic-related charges. From tickets to forfeiture of vehicles, we make it our mission to help provide all the facts to help ensure you receive the minimum possible penalties for any alleged infraction. If you need traffic court representation, reach out today!