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Michigan lawmakers want to rein in speed traps

A bipartisan plan to end speed traps in Michigan is getting attention at the statehouse.

Two bills that have been offered in the Michigan House are intended to close a loophole in state law, which allows speed limits to be set artificially low.

Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, and Rep. Bettie Cook Scott, D-Detroit, say some communities intentionally post speed limits too low to fill local coffers. They have 50 co-sponsors in the House who share their concern.

The former law enforcement officers have introduced legislation that would require all municipalities to comply with a 2006 traffic law. The law requires all speed limits to be determined by the number of driveways and cross streets on a particular stretch of road, or by conducting a traffic study to determine the average speed of 85 percent of drivers.

Many Michigan cities and towns have not based their speed limits on these methods. Scott said the result is lower speeds and potentially increasing safety concerns.

“It’s a massive waste of taxpayer money when our residents have to go to court to challenge a fine they should not have received in the first place,” Scott, a former police officer, said in a statement.

The bill package would force communities to conduct speed studies to properly set limits required by the 4-year-old law. Speed limits would also be required to be regularly posted along roadways.

Some communities are opposed to the requirement because of the cost to conduct traffic studies.

Jones, a former Eaton County sheriff, said “it is outrageous” to allow speed limits to be set artificially low to generate tickets and revenue.

“From my experience, I know that any officer can write plenty of tickets for big violations and does not need speed limits set artificially low,” Jones said in a statement.

The bills – HB6164 and HB6165 – are awaiting consideration in the House Urban Policy Committee.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Michigan, click here .

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected] .

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