Michigan laws end roadside cash payments

A three-bill package approved by Michigan state lawmakers is intended to simplify the issuance of traffic citations for out-of-state drivers.

Michigan is one of six states that are not members of the Nonresident Violator Compact. The distinction results in drivers issued traffic citations in another state to either provide cash on site, have their driver’s license confiscated, or possibly be sent to jail until payment is made.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law the bill package removing Michigan from the short list of states.

The first new law removes the requirement for cited drivers to pay cash along the roadside while driving out-of-state. Instead, passage of HB6011 enrolls the state in a national driver license compact to share traffic violation records with other states.

Rep. Jeff Noble, R-Plymouth, has said his bill will ensure states work together so that bonds and citations are appropriately settled if a driver from another state is issued a ticket.

“This plan ensures violations will be paid while also allowing drivers to be on their way after receiving a citation,” Noble said in a prior statement.

The House Fiscal Agency reports the other states that are not part of the compact are Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon and Wisconsin.

A separate bill, HB5542, now law amends the Motor Carrier Safety Act to revise the provision concerning nonresident truck drivers issued traffic citations.

Rep. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, said the change will get rid of “an antiquated law.”

“When officers collect the cash, the funds are immediately taken in and reported,” Runestad previously stated. “This requirement takes time away from patrolling and can be misperceived by visitors to our state.”

The third bill in the package, HB6012, makes the same change to Michigan Vehicle Code.

Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Geneva, has called the change “a common-sense provision that protects Michigan law enforcement officers and travelers from having to engage in an uncomfortable roadside cash transaction.”

He added that his bill ensures that out-of-state drivers would have the same privileges in Michigan – as long as their home state is part of the agreement.