Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
USE OF FREEWAY LANES BY TRUCKS AND SEMIS
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 5304 (H-1) as reported from committee Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. William Bruck http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Complete to 12-5-24
SUMMARY:
House Bill 5304 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to modify provisions that address
lane usage by certain trucks and semitrailers. The code currently requires the driver of a truck
with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds, a truck tractor, or a combination of a vehicle
and trailer or semitrailer to drive only in either of the two lanes farthest to the right, except for
a reasonable distance when making a left turn or where a special hazard exists that requires the
use of an alternative lane for safety reasons.
The bill would instead prohibit the driver of such a vehicle or combination from driving in the
lane farthest to the left on a freeway with three or more lanes for travel in the same direction,
except for a reasonable distance under any of the following circumstances:
• When making a left turn (e.g., using a freeway exit located on the left).
• Where a special hazard exists that requires the use of an alternative lane for safety
reasons.
• If otherwise posted because of a closure to traffic for construction or repair.
Freeway means a divided arterial highway for through traffic with full control of access
and with all crossroads separated in grade from pavements for through traffic.
In addition, if a freeway closes one or more lanes due to construction, resulting in only two
usable lanes on the freeway, the driver of a truck, truck tractor, or vehicle combination
described above would be required to drive in the rightmost lane, except for a reasonable
distance under any of the circumstances listed above.
MCL 257.634
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on the state and on local units of
government. The number of individuals that would be responsible for a civil infraction under
provisions of the bill is not known.
Under section 909(1) of the Michigan Vehicle Code, civil fine revenue would be applied to the
support of public and county law libraries. In addition, under section 907(12) of the Michigan
Vehicle Code, for any civil fines ordered to be paid, the judge or district court magistrate is
required to order the defendant to pay a justice system assessment of $40 for each civil
infraction determination, except for parking violations. Revenue deposited into the state’s
Justice System Fund supports various justice-related endeavors in the judicial branch, the
Departments of State Police, Corrections, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, and the
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 2
 Legislative Retirement System. There is no practical way to determine the number of violations
that will occur under provisions of the bill, so there is no way to estimate the amount of
additional revenue that could be collected.
The fiscal impact on local court systems would depend on how provisions of the bill affected
court caseloads and related administrative costs
Legislative Analysts: E. Best
Rick Yuille
Fiscal Analyst: Robin Risko
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency HB 5304 (H-1) as reported Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 257.634
House Introduced Bill: 257.634
As Passed by the House: 257.634