Michigan Drivers: New Winter Law Could Impact Your Wallet

The last thing we want to be talking about right now is anything winter-related. However, we thought it would be a good idea to warn Michigan drivers of a new winter law that could impact their wallets.

Starting this winter, following a snowplow too closely could result in a $100 fine.

Due to the 114 crashes involving snowplows in the past five years, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed the new law with hopes of reducing winter accidents.

Now, before you freak out over this minor change, remember that it likely won't affect you if you're a responsible and safe driver.

We should probably explain a few things regarding the new law. According to MLive, the new law makes it a civil infraction to drive closer than 200 feet behind a snowplow that is actively salting, sanding, plowing, or otherwise removing snow and ice.

One thing to keep in mind is that the distance rule doesn’t apply when drivers are attempting to pass a snowplow. Yes, you can legally pass a snowplow in Michigan as long as you don't pass on the right. Passing a snowplow on the right is not only dangerous, it's illegal in Michigan. The 200-foot rule also only applies when plows have their operating lights on and are working on behalf of the state or a local municipality.

Hopefully, this is something we won't have to worry about for a long time. However, if the winter predictions are correct, parts of Michigan will see snow in the next couple of months.