As Michigan takes on back-to-back snow storms, roads will be cleared and re-cleared by snowplows, which can make drivers frustrated as they “get stuck” behind the large trucks.
Driving near or around snowplows means keeping a safe distance, which Michigan law places at 200 feet. Still, there are times when drivers may need to get past a snowplow, and that’s allowed, in certain circumstances.
According to Michigan’s Vehicle Code, it is illegal to pass a snowplow only on the right side, and it’s generally discouraged in all situation. But if you do plan to pass on the left, maintain as much space as possible around a snowplow, officials say.
“Snowplows drive slowly, stop and exit frequently, and occasionally overlap lanes. Stay back and give them plenty of room,” the Michigan State Police Eighth District reminded residents on Dec. 8 X.
The state’s vehicle code also provides parameters for vehicles stopped behind a snowplow at a traffic light, and a separate law called the Move Over law for stationary snowplows.
Here’s how to drive near or around snowplows this winter in Michigan:
Is it illegal to pass a snowplow in Michigan?
It depends. It’s illegal to pass a snowplow on the right side, but passing on the left is legal.
Regardless of the inconvenience, officials recommend waiting and exercising “extreme caution” when passing, according to the MSP’s snowplow safety page.
The Michigan’s Vehicle Code says drivers must maintain 200 feet of space while driving behind a snowplow, and at least 20 feet when stopped at an intersection.
In addition, if a snowplow is stopped on the side of the road, drivers must slow down to at least 10 mph below the speed limit and carefully pass, according to the Move Over law that applies to all stationary emergency vehicles. It’s a misdemeanor, with fines up to $7,500 or imprisonment, if an emergency vehicle is struck or first responder is injured or killed.
Residents may use the Department of Transportation’s online Mi Drive map to see where roads have been plowed recently in Michigan and to track MDOT snowplows.
Why is it dangerous to pass a snowplow?
To avoid a crash, drivers are urged to avoid passing a snowplow, which is when most car-plow crashes occur, according to MSP.
Points the Michigan State Police makes about snowplow dangers:
If a driver must pass a snowplow, Southfield-based The Law Offices of Turner & Turner recommends moving all the way over in the left lane, and clearing the snowplow entirely before returning to the right lane. The legal office also recommends staying behind trucks since the road in front hasn’t been plowed, or turning and taking alternate plowed streets.
How do I safely meet and pass a snowplow on a 2-lane road?
For drivers meeting a snowplow coming from the opposite direction, officials recommend slowing down, turning the windshield wipers on and creating as much distance as possible from the snowplow, according to MSP’s snowplow safety.
How can I track snowplows this winter?
The city of Lansing and MDOT, as well as other cities, both offer online tools to see where snowplows are and where they have been.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: It is legal to pass a snowplow? What to know about winter driving
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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