HB-6414, As Passed Senate, November 13, 2008

SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL NO. 6414

     A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled

"Michigan vehicle code,"

by amending section 642 (MCL 257.642) and by adding sections 20b

and 20c.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

     Sec. 20b. "High-occupancy vehicle" or "HOV" means any motor

vehicle carrying no fewer than 2 occupants including the driver of

the vehicle.

     Sec. 20c. "High-occupancy vehicle lane" or "HOV lane" means

any designated lane or ramp on a highway designated for the

exclusive or preferential use of a public transportation vehicle or

private motor vehicles carrying no fewer than a specified number of

occupants, including the driver of the vehicle.

     Sec. 642. (1) When a roadway has been divided into 2 or more

clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to

all others consistent with this act shall apply:

     (a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable

entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane

until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be

made with safety. Upon a roadway with 4 or more lanes which

provides for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall be driven

within the extreme right-hand lane except when overtaking and

passing, but shall not cross the center line of the roadway except

where making a left turn.

     (b) Upon a roadway which is divided into 3 lanes and provides

for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the

center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle

traveling in the same direction, when the center lane is clear of

traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn,

or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to

traffic moving in the same direction the vehicle is proceeding and

the allocation is designated by official traffic control devices.

     (c) Official traffic control devices may be erected directing

specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those

lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction

regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles

shall obey the directions of the traffic-control device.

     (d) Official traffic-control devices may be installed

prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway, and

drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic-

House Bill No. 6414 (H-1) as amended September 18, 2008

as amended November 13, 2008

control devices.

     (2) When any lane has been designated as an HOV lane under

section 1 of 1951 PA 51, MCL 247.651, and has been appropriately

marked with signs and pavement markings, the lane shall be reserved

during the periods indicated for the exclusive use of buses and

HOVs. The restrictions imposed on HOV lanes do not apply to any of

the following:

<<(A) AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

>>

     (b) Law enforcement vehicles.

     (c) Motorcycles.

     (d) Transit and commuter buses designed to transport persons,

including the driver.

     (e) Vehicles of public utility companies that are responding

to an emergency call.

     (f) Vehicles that are using an HOV lane to make a turn

permitted by law for a reasonable distance in advance of the turn

or for purposes of entering or exiting a limited access highway.

     (g) Taxicabs having 2 or more occupants, including the driver.

     (h) Bicycles, if the HOV lane is the right-hand lane of a

highway open to bicycles.

(3) (2) A person who violates this section is responsible for

a [ ] civil infraction.