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January 22nd, 2025
Contributor: Ethan J. Loch
Automated Ticketing: Coming Soon to Michigan
Michigan drivers beware! New legislation, soon to be enforced, will allow automated ticketing in work zones and around school buses. Michigan is following a growing trend in a number of states.
In Work Zones
Legislation set to take effect in early 2026 will introduce automated speed enforcement systems in work zones across the state. This new law aims to enhance safety for both construction workers and drivers in these high-risk areas.
The legislation, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in December 2024, authorizes the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation to install and operate automated speed enforcement systems in work zones that are not separated from traffic by concrete barriers. These systems will use advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to detect vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit by 10 mph or more.
Under the new law, drivers caught speeding in work zones will face a tiered penalty system. First-time offenders, or those who have not received a violation in over three years, will be issued a written warning. Second-time offenders within a three-year period may be fined up to $150, while third and subsequent violations could result in fines of up to $300.
To ensure transparency and fairness, the legislation mandates that signs must be placed one mile before the start of a work zone where an automated speed enforcement system is in use. Additionally, a digital display will be installed near the system to show approaching vehicles their current speed.
The implementation of this technology comes in response to alarming statistics regarding work zone safety. In 2023, Michigan reported over 8,000 work zone crashes. By deterring speeding in these areas, lawmakers and safety advocates hope to significantly reduce these numbers and protect both workers and motorists.
The collected fines will be used to fund the installation and maintenance of the system, as well as to support police efforts to deter speeding in work zones.
School Bus Stops
Another piece of legislation, set to take effect this spring, allows similar technology to be installed on the stop-arms of school buses. These cameras will track those drivers who fail to stop when a bus’s stop sign is extended. This legislation aims to protect children traveling to and from school.
Violators who fail to stop when required will be fined up to $500. Money from these fines will go back to school districts, which will use the money to support transportation safety.
Importantly, opponents of the legislation point out that these fines have historically gone to funding public libraries. Opponents fear budget cuts because a significant part of library funds from money collected from traffic violations.
Conclusion
As legal professionals, it is crucial to understand the implications of this new legislation for our clients. While the primary goal is to improve safety, there may be broad challenges to the legislation, or there may be specific challenges brought in response to alleged violations. For example, a registered owner of a vehicle who is automatically ticketed under the new legislation can dispute their fine by affidavit or court testimony.
In any case, it is important to remember to slow down in work zones and to stop for school buses—and not just because the legislation says so.
Disclaimer
This publication is for general information only. The information contained is not intended as formal legal advice. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your attorney at Curtis, Curtis & Brelinski, P.C.
Categories: Firm News