Winter driving law sees offenders hit with $100 fee for breaking 200-feet rule – pay extra attention at intersections

DRIVERS in the state of Michigan must take extra care when following a snowplow while it’s working this winter, or face the consequences.

Car owners can risk picking up a $100 fine in snowy conditions – after a law was passed to prevent accidents happening in poor conditions.

The new rule, which was passed earlier in the summer, means drivers in Michigan must now keep 200 feet away from a snowplow while it is working.

The rule applies when a plow has its operating lights active and is in the process of salting, sanding, plowing, or trying to remove snow and ice in any other way, while it’s working on behalf of the state or a local municipality.

However, when a snowplow is stopped or at an intersection, the required separation distance reduces to 20 feet.

What’s more, the law doesn’t apply when drivers are attempting to pass a snowplow.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the law earlier this summer, in an effort to reduce winter crashes.

It is thought that the increased distance between a car and a snowplow will give drivers more time to come to a stop in bad conditions.

Poor visibility and icy roads can make it difficult for drivers to brake in enough time to prevent a crash.

According to recent data, there have been 114 crashes involving snowplows in Michigan in the last five years, including 20 in 2021 and 19 in 2022.

State Senator Sam Singh, who sponsored the bill, said it was time driving in the winter was made safer.

He added: “Snowplows are critical to keeping Michigan roadways clear in the wintertime.

“Unfortunately, we see far too many accidents between them and motorists, making it clear that enhanced safety measures are needed.

“By giving snowplows the space they need to keep our roadways clear, this legislation ensures Michigan drivers can get from one place to the next as safely as possible.”

The bill initially only required a 200-foot distance on roadways with speed limits above 35mph.

But the required separation distance now applies to all roads, no matter the speed limit.

Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson John Richard said: “We support any bill that increases safety for the motoring public, and the brave men and women maintaining our roads and bridges during Michigan’s unpredictable and harsh winter season.

“Like MDOT has said for years, snowplows need room to groom.

“These large trucks are applying materials and can create heavy waves of snow when plowing.”

This comes as drivers are just learning how they can clear their icy windshields in seconds using a $4 Walmart purchase – and they won’t even have to scrape the glass.

A car expert has revealed to The U.S. Sun the number-one item they recommend to save time and money on freezing winter days.

This comes as car owners have been urged to make a change to their tires in the coming days as a seasonal rule comes into effect.

Studded tires will soon be legal again on Washington roads, despite being deemed unlawful for most of the year.