2019 Michigan Compiled Laws
Chapter 257 - Motor Vehicles
Act 300 of 1949 Michigan Vehicle Code (257.1 - 257.923)
300-1949-VI Chapter Vi Obedience to and Effect of Traffic Laws (257.601...257.750)
300-1949-VI-DRIVING-ON-RIGHT-SIDE-OF-ROADWAY—OVERTAKING-AND-PASS Driving on Right Side of Roadway—overtaking and Passing, Etc. (257.634...257.646)
Section 257.642 Roadway Divided Into 2 or More Marked Lanes; Applicable Rules; Designation as Hov Lane; Restrictions; Exceptions; Violation as Civil Infraction.
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 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 operator has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety. Upon a roadway with 4 or more lanes that provides for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall be operated 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 that is divided into 3 lanes and provides for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be operated 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 operators 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 operators of vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic-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) Transit buses operated by a regional transit authority created under the regional transit authority act.
(3) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.
History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1974, Act 289, Imd. Eff. Oct. 15, 1974 ;-- Am. 1978, Act 510, Eff. Aug. 1, 1979 ;-- Am. 2008, Act 304, Imd. Eff. Dec. 9, 2008 ;-- Am. 2012, Act 498, Eff. Mar. 28, 2013
