Bill Text: MI SB0756 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Chaptered

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Bill Title: Traffic control; driver license; individuals with level 2 graduated driver license using cell phone while operating a vehicle; prohibit. Amends secs. 320a & 732 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.320a & 257.732) & adds sec. 602c.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 6-0)

Status: (Passed) 2012-12-31 - Assigned Pa 0592'12 [SB0756 Detail]

Download: Michigan-2011-SB0756-Chaptered.html

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Act No. 592

Public Acts of 2012

Approved by the Governor

January 8, 2013

Filed with the Secretary of State

January 8, 2013

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 28, 2013

STATE OF MICHIGAN

96TH LEGISLATURE

REGULAR SESSION OF 2012

Introduced by Senators Walker, Booher, Moolenaar, Jones, Nofs and Kahn

ENROLLED SENATE BILL No. 756

AN ACT to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “An act to provide for the registration, titling, sale, transfer, and regulation of certain vehicles operated upon the public highways of this state or any other place open to the general public or generally accessible to motor vehicles and distressed vehicles; to provide for the licensing of dealers; to provide for the examination, licensing, and control of operators and chauffeurs; to provide for the giving of proof of financial responsibility and security by owners and operators of vehicles; to provide for the imposition, levy, and collection of specific taxes on vehicles, and the levy and collection of sales and use taxes, license fees, and permit fees; to provide for the regulation and use of streets and highways; to create certain funds; to provide penalties and sanctions for a violation of this act; to provide for civil liability of owners and operators of vehicles and service of process on residents and nonresidents; to regulate the introduction and use of certain evidence; to provide for the levy of certain assessments; to provide for the enforcement of this act; to provide for the creation of and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to impose liability upon the state or local agencies; to provide appropriations for certain purposes; to repeal all other acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act or contrary to this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date,” by amending sections 320a and 732 (MCL 257.320a and 257.732), as amended by 2011 PA 159, and by adding section 602c.

The People of the State of Michigan enact:

Sec. 320a. (1) Within 5 days after receipt of a properly prepared abstract from a court of this state or another state, the secretary of state shall record the date of conviction, civil infraction determination, or probate court disposition, and the number of points for each, based on the following formula, except as otherwise provided in this section and section 629c:

(a) Manslaughter, negligent homicide, or a felony resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, ORV, or snowmobile......................................................................................................................................................................... 6 points

(b) A violation of section 601b(2) or (3), 601c(1) or (2), or 653a(3) or (4) or, beginning October 31, 2010, a violation of section 601d............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 points

(c) A violation of section 625(1), (4), (5), (7), or (8), section 81134 or 82127(1) of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.81134 and 324.82127, or a law or ordinance substantially corresponding to section 625(1), (4), (5), (7), or (8), or section 81134 or 82127(1) of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.81134 and 324.82127..................................................................................................................... 6 points

(d) Failing to stop and disclose identity at the scene of an accident when required by law............................ 6 points

(e) Operating a motor vehicle in violation of section 626......................................................................................... 6 points

(f) Fleeing or eluding an officer.................................................................................................................................... 6 points

(g) A violation of section 627(9) pertaining to speed in a work zone described in that section by exceeding the lawful maximum by more than 15 miles per hour.................................................................................................... 5 points

(h) A violation of any law other than the law described in subdivision (g) or ordinance pertaining to speed by exceeding the lawful maximum by more than 15 miles per hour................................................................................. 4 points

(i) A violation of section 625(3) or (6), section 81135 or 82127(3) of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.81135 and 324.82127, or a law or ordinance substantially corresponding to section 625(3) or (6) or section 81135 or 82127(3) of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.81135 and 324.82127.......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 points

(j) A violation of section 626a or a law or ordinance substantially corresponding to section 626a.................. 4 points

(k) A violation of section 653a(2).................................................................................................................................. 4 points

(l) A violation of section 627(9) pertaining to speed in a work zone described in that section by exceeding the lawful maximum by more than 10 but not more than 15 miles per hour............................................................. 4 points

(m) Beginning October 31, 2010, a moving violation resulting in an at-fault collision with another vehicle, a person, or any other object............................................................................................................................................... 4 points

(n) A violation of any law other than the law described in subdivision (l) or ordinance pertaining to speed by exceeding the lawful maximum by more than 10 but not more than 15 miles per hour or careless driving in violation of section 626b or a law or ordinance substantially corresponding to section 626b.................................................. 3 points

(o) A violation of section 627(9) pertaining to speed in a work zone described in that section by exceedingthe lawful maximum by 10 miles per hour or less.............................................................................................................................. 3 points

(p) A violation of any law other than the law described in subdivision (o) or ordinance pertaining to speed by exceeding the lawful maximum by 10 miles per hour or less.................................................................................. 2 points

(q) Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign, or improper passing.......................................................................... 3 points

(r) A violation of section 624a, 624b, or a law or ordinance substantially corresponding to section 624a or 624b..................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 points

(s) A violation of section 310e(4) or (6) or a law or ordinance substantially corresponding to section 310e(4) or (6)......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 points

(t) All other moving violations pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles reported under this section... 2 points

(u) A refusal by a person less than 21 years of age to submit to a preliminary breath test required by a peace officer under section 625a......................................................................................................................................... 2 points

(2) Points shall not be entered for a violation of section 310e(14), 311, 602b(1), 602c, 625m, 658, 710d, 717, 719, 719a, or 723.

(3) Points shall not be entered for bond forfeitures.

(4) Points shall not be entered for overweight loads or for defective equipment.

(5) If more than 1 conviction, civil infraction determination, or probate court disposition results from the same incident, points shall be entered only for the violation that receives the highest number of points under this section.

(6) If a person has accumulated 9 points as provided in this section, the secretary of state may call the person in for an interview as to the person’s driving ability and record after due notice as to time and place of the interview. If the person fails to appear as provided in this subsection, the secretary of state shall add 3 points to the person’s record.

(7) If a person violates a speed restriction established by an executive order issued during a state of energy emergency as provided by 1982 PA 191, MCL 10.81 to 10.89, the secretary of state shall enter points for the violation pursuant to subsection (1).

(8) The secretary of state shall enter 6 points upon the record of a person whose license is suspended or denied pursuant to section 625f. However, if a conviction, civil infraction determination, or probate court disposition results from the same incident, additional points for that offense shall not be entered.

(9) If a Michigan driver commits a violation in another state that would be a civil infraction if committed in Michigan, and a conviction results solely because of the failure of the Michigan driver to appear in that state to contest the violation, upon receipt of the abstract of conviction by the secretary of state, the violation shall be noted on the driver’s record, but no points shall be assessed against his or her driver’s license.

Sec. 602c. (1) Except as provided in this section, an individual issued a level 1 or level 2 graduated license under section 310e shall not use a cellular telephone while operating a motor vehicle upon a highway or street. For purposes of this subsection, “use” means to initiate a call; answer a call; or listen to or engage in verbal communication through the cellular telephone.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an individual who is using a cellular telephone to do any of the following:

(a) Report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious road hazard.

(b) Report a situation in which the person believes his or her personal safety is in jeopardy.

(c) Report or avert the perpetration or potential perpetration of a criminal act against the individual or another person.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to an individual using a voice-operated system that is integrated into the motor vehicle.

(4) An individual who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.

(5) This section supersedes all local ordinances regulating the use of a cellular telephone by an individual issued a level 1 or level 2 graduated license while operating a motor vehicle in motion on a highway or street, except that a unit of local government may adopt an ordinance or enforce an existing ordinance substantially corresponding to this section.

(6) This section shall be known and may be cited as “Kelsey’s Law”.

Sec. 732. (1) Each municipal judge and each clerk of a court of record shall keep a full record of every case in which a person is charged with or cited for a violation of this act or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to this act regulating the operation of vehicles on highways and with those offenses pertaining to the operation of ORVs or snowmobiles for which points are assessed under section 320a(1)(c) or (i). Except as provided in subsection (16), the municipal judge or clerk of the court of record shall prepare and forward to the secretary of state an abstract of the court record as follows:

(a) Not more than 5 days after a conviction, forfeiture of bail, or entry of a civil infraction determination or default judgment upon a charge of or citation for violating or attempting to violate this act or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to this act regulating the operation of vehicles on highways.

(b) Immediately for each case charging a violation of section 625(1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) or section 625m or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to section 625(1), (3), (6), or (8) or section 625m in which the charge is dismissed or the defendant is acquitted.

(c) Immediately for each case charging a violation of section 82127(1) or (3), 81134, or 81135 of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.82127, 324.81134, and 324.81135, or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to those sections.

(2) If a city or village department, bureau, or person is authorized to accept a payment of money as a settlement for a violation of a local ordinance substantially corresponding to this act, the city or village department, bureau, or person shall send a full report of each case in which a person pays any amount of money to the city or village department, bureau, or person to the secretary of state upon a form prescribed by the secretary of state.

(3) The abstract or report required under this section shall be made upon a form furnished by the secretary of state. An abstract shall be certified by signature, stamp, or facsimile signature of the person required to prepare the abstract as correct. An abstract or report shall include all of the following:

(a) The name, address, and date of birth of the person charged or cited.

(b) The number of the person’s operator’s or chauffeur’s license, if any.

(c) The date and nature of the violation.

(d) The type of vehicle driven at the time of the violation and, if the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle, that vehicle’s group designation.

(e) The date of the conviction, finding, forfeiture, judgment, or civil infraction determination.

(f) Whether bail was forfeited.

(g) Any license restriction, suspension, or denial ordered by the court as provided by law.

(h) The vehicle identification number and registration plate number of all vehicles that are ordered immobilized or forfeited.

(i) Other information considered necessary to the secretary of state.

(4) The clerk of the court also shall forward an abstract of the court record to the secretary of state upon a person’s conviction involving any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 413, 414, or 479a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.413, 750.414, and 750.479a.

(b) A violation of section 1 of former 1931 PA 214.

(c) Negligent homicide, manslaughter, or murder resulting from the operation of a vehicle.

(d) A violation of sections 701(1) and 703 of the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1701 and 436.1703, or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to those sections.

(e) A violation of section 411a(2) of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.411a.

(f) A violation of motor carrier safety regulations 49 CFR 392.10 or 392.11 as adopted by section 1a of the motor carrier safety act of 1963, 1963 PA 181, MCL 480.11a.

(g) A violation of section 57 of the pupil transportation act, 1990 PA 187, MCL 257.1857.

(h) A violation of motor carrier safety regulations 49 CFR 392.10 or 392.11 as adopted by section 31 of the motor bus transportation act, 1982 PA 432, MCL 474.131.

(i) An attempt to violate, a conspiracy to violate, or a violation of part 74 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7401 to 333.7461, or a local ordinance that prohibits conduct prohibited under part 74 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7401 to 333.7461, unless the convicted person is sentenced to life imprisonment or a minimum term of imprisonment that exceeds 1 year for the offense.

(j) An attempt to commit an offense described in subdivisions (a) to (h).

(k) A violation of chapter LXXXIII-A of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.543a to 750.543z.

(l) A violation of section 3101, 3102(1), or 3103 of the insurance code of 1956, 1956 PA 218, MCL 500.3101, 500.3102, and 500.3103.

(m) A violation listed as a disqualifying offense under 49 CFR 383.51.

(5) The clerk of the court shall also forward an abstract of the court record to the secretary of state if a person has pled guilty to, or offered a plea of admission in a juvenile proceeding for, a violation of section 703 of the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1703, or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to that section, and has had further proceedings deferred under that section. If the person is sentenced to a term of probation and terms and conditions of probation are fulfilled and the court discharges the individual and dismisses the proceedings, the court shall also report the dismissal to the secretary of state.

(6) As used in subsections (7) to (9), “felony in which a motor vehicle was used” means a felony during the commission of which the person operated a motor vehicle and while operating the vehicle presented real or potential harm to persons or property and 1 or more of the following circumstances existed:

(a) The vehicle was used as an instrument of the felony.

(b) The vehicle was used to transport a victim of the felony.

(c) The vehicle was used to flee the scene of the felony.

(d) The vehicle was necessary for the commission of the felony.

(7) If a person is charged with a felony in which a motor vehicle was used, other than a felony specified in subsection (4) or section 319, the prosecuting attorney shall include the following statement on the complaint and information filed in district or circuit court:

“You are charged with the commission of a felony in which a motor vehicle was used. If you are convicted and the judge finds that the conviction is for a felony in which a motor vehicle was used, as defined in section 319 of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.319, your driver’s license shall be suspended by the secretary of state.”.

(8) If a juvenile is accused of an act, the nature of which constitutes a felony in which a motor vehicle was used, other than a felony specified in subsection (4) or section 319, the prosecuting attorney or family division of circuit court shall include the following statement on the petition filed in the court:

“You are accused of an act the nature of which constitutes a felony in which a motor vehicle was used. If the accusation is found to be true and the judge or referee finds that the nature of the act constitutes a felony in which a motor vehicle was used, as defined in section 319 of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.319, your driver’s license shall be suspended by the secretary of state.”.

(9) If the court determines as part of the sentence or disposition that the felony for which the person was convicted or adjudicated and with respect to which notice was given under subsection (7) or (8) is a felony in which a motor vehicle was used, the clerk of the court shall forward an abstract of the court record of that conviction to the secretary of state.

(10) As used in subsections (11) and (12), “felony in which a commercial motor vehicle was used” means a felony during the commission of which the person operated a commercial motor vehicle and while the person was operating the vehicle 1 or more of the following circumstances existed:

(a) The vehicle was used as an instrument of the felony.

(b) The vehicle was used to transport a victim of the felony.

(c) The vehicle was used to flee the scene of the felony.

(d) The vehicle was necessary for the commission of the felony.

(11) If a person is charged with a felony in which a commercial motor vehicle was used and for which a vehicle group designation on a license is subject to suspension or revocation under section 319b(1)(c)(iii), 319b(1)(d), 319b(1)(e)(iii), or 319b(1)(f)(i), the prosecuting attorney shall include the following statement on the complaint and information filed in district or circuit court:

“You are charged with the commission of a felony in which a commercial motor vehicle was used. If you are convicted and the judge finds that the conviction is for a felony in which a commercial motor vehicle was used, as defined in section 319b of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.319b, all vehicle group designations on your driver’s license shall be suspended or revoked by the secretary of state.”.

(12) If the judge determines as part of the sentence that the felony for which the defendant was convicted and with respect to which notice was given under subsection (11) is a felony in which a commercial motor vehicle was used, the clerk of the court shall forward an abstract of the court record of that conviction to the secretary of state.

(13) Every person required to forward abstracts to the secretary of state under this section shall certify for the period from January 1 through June 30 and for the period from July 1 through December 31 that all abstracts required to be forwarded during the period have been forwarded. The certification shall be filed with the secretary of state not later than 28 days after the end of the period covered by the certification. The certification shall be made upon a form furnished by the secretary of state and shall include all of the following:

(a) The name and title of the person required to forward abstracts.

(b) The court for which the certification is filed.

(c) The time period covered by the certification.

(d) The following statement:

“I certify that all abstracts required by section 732 of the Michigan vehicle code, MCL 257.732; MSA 9.2432, for the period ________________ through ______________ have been forwarded to the secretary of state.”.

(e) Other information the secretary of state considers necessary.

(f) The signature of the person required to forward abstracts.

(14) The failure, refusal, or neglect of a person to comply with this section constitutes misconduct in office and is grounds for removal from office.

(15) Except as provided in subsection (16), the secretary of state shall keep all abstracts received under this section at the secretary of state’s main office and the abstracts shall be open for public inspection during the office’s usual business hours. Each abstract shall be entered upon the master driving record of the person to whom it pertains.

(16) Except for controlled substance offenses described in subsection (4), the court shall not submit, and the secretary of state shall discard and not enter on the master driving record, an abstract for a conviction or civil infraction determination for any of the following violations:

(a) The parking or standing of a vehicle.

(b) A nonmoving violation that is not the basis for the secretary of state’s suspension, revocation, or denial of an operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

(c) A violation of chapter II that is not the basis for the secretary of state’s suspension, revocation, or denial of an operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

(d) A pedestrian, passenger, or bicycle violation, other than a violation of section 703(1) or (2) of the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1703, or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to section 703(1) or (2) of the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1703, or section 624a or 624b or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to section 624a or 624b.

(e) A violation of section 710e or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to section 710e.

(f) A violation of section 328(1) if, before the appearance date on the citation, the person submits proof to the court that the motor vehicle had insurance meeting the requirements of sections 3101 and 3102 of the insurance code of 1956, 1956 PA 218, MCL 500.3101 and 500.3102, at the time the citation was issued. Insurance obtained subsequent to the time of the violation does not make the violation an exception under this subsection.

(g) A violation described in section 319b(10)(b)(vii) if, before the court appearance date or date fines are to be paid, the person submits proof to the court that he or she held a valid commercial driver license on the date the citation was issued.

(h) A violation of section 311 if the person was driving a noncommercial vehicle and, before the court appearance date or the date fines are to be paid, the person submits proof to the court that he or she held a valid driver license on the date the citation was issued.

(i) A violation of section 602b(1) or 602c.

(17) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the secretary of state shall discard and not enter on the master driving record an abstract for a bond forfeiture that occurred outside this state. The secretary of state shall enter on the master driving record an abstract for a conviction as defined in section 8a(b) that occurred outside this state in connection with the operation of a commercial motor vehicle or for a conviction of a person licensed as a commercial motor vehicle driver.

(18) The secretary of state shall inform the courts of this state of the nonmoving violations and violations of chapter II that are used by the secretary of state as the basis for the suspension, restriction, revocation, or denial of an operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

(19) If a conviction or civil infraction determination is reversed upon appeal, the person whose conviction or determination has been reversed may serve on the secretary of state a certified copy of the order of reversal. The secretary of state shall enter the order in the proper book or index in connection with the record of the conviction or civil infraction determination.

(20) The secretary of state may permit a city or village department, bureau, person, or court to modify the requirement as to the time and manner of reporting a conviction, civil infraction determination, or settlement to the secretary of state if the modification will increase the economy and efficiency of collecting and utilizing the records. If the permitted abstract of court record reporting a conviction, civil infraction determination, or settlement originates as a part of the written notice to appear, authorized in section 728(1) or 742(1), the form of the written notice and report shall be as prescribed by the secretary of state.

(21) Notwithstanding any other law of this state, a court shall not take under advisement an offense committed by a person while operating a commercial motor vehicle or by a person licensed to drive a commercial motor vehicle while operating a noncommercial motor vehicle at the time of the offense, for which this act requires a conviction or civil infraction determination to be reported to the secretary of state. A conviction or civil infraction determination that is the subject of this subsection shall not be masked, delayed, diverted, suspended, or suppressed by a court. Upon a conviction or civil infraction determination, the conviction or civil infraction determination shall immediately be reported to the secretary of state in accordance with this section.

(22) Except as provided in this act and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a court shall not order expunction of any violation reportable to the secretary of state under this section.

Secretary of the Senate

Clerk of the House of Representatives

Approved

Governor