Warning: Hefty Fine For Michigan Drivers Who Do This, This Winter

Winter in Michigan means snow – lots of it (possibly) – and with snow comes those busy snowplows working to keep roads safe.

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But if you're not careful, you could find yourself on the hook for a $100 fine thanks to a new law aimed at reducing accidents in snowy conditions. Do you know how to avoid getting hit in your wallet (or worse, in your car)?

Warning: Hefty Fine For Michigan Drivers Who Do This, This Winter

Under a new rule, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer earlier this year, Michigan drivers must maintain at least 200 feet of distance behind an active snowplow. This isn’t just about being polite – it’s a legal requirement.

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If the snowplow has its operating lights on and is salting, sanding, or clearing snow or ice, the law applies. However, when the plow is stopped or at an intersection, the safe distance shrinks to 20 feet.

Now, before you panic about getting stuck behind a plow on your morning commute, know this: the law doesn’t apply when you’re passing a snowplow. But let’s be real – passing a snowplow in snowy, low-visibility conditions? That’s a move most of us aren’t eager to make.

The motivation behind the law is pretty simple: safety.

Winter roads can turn treacherous fast, with poor visibility and icy surfaces making it harder to brake in time. In the last five years, Michigan has seen 114 crashes involving snowplows, including 20 in 2021 alone. This law is designed to give drivers and plow operators a little extra breathing room.