Seat Belt Laws: Michigan
Type of Law
Primary
Michigan
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Michigan. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Michigan
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Helmets required for riders under 21 or for riders and passengers without additional insurance. Universal helmet law repealed 2012.
Michigan
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
4 years
Michigan
Provisions for Mature Drivers
None
Michigan
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
Zero tolerance for some drugs
Michigan
Marijuana Possession and Use
Legal for medical and recreational use
Michigan
Marijuana Impaired Driving
Zero tolerance for THC
Michigan
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70 (75 on select segments)
Michigan
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
65
Michigan
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Michigan
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
60; 55 if speed limit for cars is less than 70 MPH
Michigan
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
70
Michigan
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
60; 55 if speed limit for cars is less than 70 MPH
Michigan
Repeat Offender Laws
Yes
Michigan
Increased penalty for high BAC
0.17
Michigan
Administrative license suspension on first offense
30-180 days
Michigan
Limited driving privileges during suspension
After 45 days
Michigan
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for high BAC (0.17) and repeat convictions
Michigan
Open container laws
Yes
Michigan
Child Restraint Required
Under age 8 and under 57" tall
Younger than 2 yrs, unless reached the weight or height limit set by manufacturer, must be in a rear-facing system; 2-4 yrs, unless reached the weight or height limit set by manufacturer, must be in forward-facing restraint; 5-7 yrs, unless reached height of 4 feet 9 inches, must be in a belt-positioning child booster (effective 09/25/24)
Michigan
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
8-15 yrs or 57" or taller
Michigan
Full Privilege Minimum Age
17 years
Michigan
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
14 / 9
Michigan
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
6
Michigan
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
50 (10)
Michigan
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16
Michigan
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction
10 p.m. - 5 a.m.
Michigan
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
No more than 1 under 21
Michigan
Who is Covered?
16 and over
Michigan
In What Seat?
Front
Michigan
Type of Law
Primary
Michigan
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes
Michigan
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
Yes, handheld ban. Primary law.
Michigan
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
Yes, handheld ban. Primary law.
Michigan
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
Michigan
Speed Cameras: State Law
None (State law requires law enforcement to witness violations)
Michigan
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
n/a
Michigan
Red Light Cameras: State Law
None (State law requires law enforcement to witness violations)
Michigan
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted
n/a
Distracted Driving Laws: Michigan
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes
Speed and Red Light Cameras: Michigan
Speed Cameras
None (State law requires law enforcement to witness violations)
Red Light Cameras
None (State law requires law enforcement to witness violations)
Work Zone Traffic Laws: Michigan
Violations Affected
All moving vehicle violations
Enhanced Penalties
Double original fine and at least 3 points
Workers Must Be Present?
No
Signs Must Be Present?
Yes
Grantee Boot Camp
To re-energize grant project directors, the Michigan OHSP Police Traffic Services Team created a “Grantee Boot Camp”
Unendorsed Rider Motorcycle Safety Initiative
After analysis of motorcycle rider crash data, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) determined that the “unendorsed” operator was far over-represented in motorcycle crashes.
Traffic Safety Brewing Company
Michigan traffic safety officials took an unusual approach to a serious issue by introducing a fictitious Traffic Safety Brewing Company complete with a new summer traffic safety six-pack that was highlighted at bars and restaurants across the state.