LEVEL 2 GDL RESTRICTIONS H.B. 4533 (S-1):
FLOOR SUMMARY
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House Bill 4533 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Bill Rogers
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to expand the exceptions to restrictions placed on a person with a level 2 graduated driver license regarding hours of operation and passengers under 21 years old.
The Code prohibits a level 2 driver from operating a motor vehicle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless either of the following applies: the driver is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or another licensed driver who is at least 21 designated by the parent or guardian; or the person is going to or from employment.
The bill would create an exception for a driver operating a vehicle in the course of his or her employment, or going to or from an "authorized activity", which would mean any of the following:
-- A school or school-sanctioned event or activity.
-- A sporting event or activity, or extracurricular event or activity, that is not school-sanctioned, under certain conditions.
-- A class or program of vocational instruction, under certain conditions.
-- An event or activity sponsored by a tax-exempt religious organization.
-- Transporting an individual in need of immediate emergency care or personal protection to a health care professional, hospital, police station, domestic violence shelter, or public safety location.
Under the Code, while a person has level 2 status, he or she may not operate a motor vehicle carrying more than one passenger who is younger than 21, unless the passengers under 21 are members of the person's immediate family or the person is traveling to or from school or a school-sanctioned event. The bill would refer to an authorized activity rather than school or a school-sanctioned event. In addition, the one-person limit on passengers under 21 would not apply under either of the following conditions:
-- The driver was accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or a licensed driver who was at least 21 designated by the parent or legal guardian.
-- The driver was operating a vehicle in the course of his or her employment or while going to or from employment.
MCL 257.310e Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 5-31-11 Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. hb4533/1112