FAILURE TO YIELD WHEN OVERTAKEN

House Bill 4395 as reported from committee

Sponsor:  Rep. Robert Wittenberg

1st Committee:  Transportation

2nd Committee:  Ways and Means

Complete to 12-3-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4395 would amend section 636 of the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a vehicle overtaken by another vehicle to immediately yield to the right if the overtaking vehicle is not permitted to pass on the right.

Currently, when passing on the right is not allowed, the driver of an overtaken vehicle is required to yield to the right on audible signal and not increase speed until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.[1]

The bill would remove the underlined language.

Under the bill, slower drivers in the left lane would have to yield as soon as a faster vehicle came upon them, regardless of whether that vehicle had signaled its presence by, for example, honking.

MCL 257.636

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4395 would have no fiscal impact on state or local government.

POSITIONS:

The Michigan State Police indicated support for the bill. (9-10-19)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Michael Cnossen

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.

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