This bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code, specifically section 602a, to enhance penalties for drivers who fail to stop when signaled by a police or conservation officer. The bill clarifies that a driver must not willfully evade the officer's direction, and it specifies that the officer must be in uniform and in an identifiable vehicle. The penalties for violations are categorized into degrees of fleeing and eluding, with fourth-degree offenses resulting in a minimum of 182 days imprisonment and fines up to $500, while more severe violations can lead to third-degree (up to 5 years and $1,000 fine), second-degree (up to 10 years and $5,000 fine), and first-degree (up to 15 years and $10,000 fine) charges depending on the circumstances of the offense.

The bill also introduces definitions and clarifications regarding "serious injury," which includes various forms of bodily harm, and establishes that a conviction under this section does not preclude additional charges under other applicable laws. Notably, the language of the bill replaces gender-specific terms with more inclusive language, such as changing "his or her" to "the police officer's or conservation officer's" and "the driver's" in relevant sections. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after enactment, contingent upon the passage of another related bill.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 257.602