The votes are in...

[Yetti]

After writing to Rep Joel Sheltrown about new ORV legislation the results are in
Heres what you get for your money


Quote:
Thanks again to everyone who participated in the public comment process regarding draft legislation to permit and regulate the operation of ORVs on county road shoulders. My intent in drafting this bill is to produce quality legislation which balances the interests of ORV users with public safety, environmental protections, and the general welfare of communities who choose to allow ORVs to operate on their county road shoulders. In doing so, it was necessary to sort through the differing opinions offered on each of the proposed changes to achieve that balance. After reviewing comments made by over 200 people through letters, telephone calls, and e-mails, eight changes (listed below) will be made from the 14 suggested by the public and local officials. These changes will become the version of the bill I will introduce in the House later this winter. As the bill moves through the legislative process, we should expect to see additional changes made by other legislators through amendments. Shortly before the bill is introduced, I will e-mail you a copy of it. If you agree with the bill, I will ask you to contact your local legislators asking that they co-sponsor it. In the meantime, please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have or suggestions for additional ORV legislation not relating to county road shoulders.



Sincerely,



Joel Sheltrown

State Representative

103rd House District



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1. Golf Carts



Golf carts will not be addressed in this bill. Instead, a separate bill will be drafted to allow golf carts on road shoulders by amending the Michigan Vehicle Code.



2. Mandatory Flags



The flag requirement currently in the draft bill will be removed.



3. Access Routes



The access route language will be removed from the draft bill thereby separating county road shoulders from the DNR trail system.



4. Misdemeanor



The “misdemeanor” language will be changed to “civil infraction” but the maximum fine will be left at $500.



5. Northern Michigan Limit



The current language will remain in the bill.



6. Speed Limit



The maximum speed limit will be changed in the draft bill to a standard 25 mph unless a county posts signs for a lower maximum speed.



7. County Permits



The concept of creating county ORV permits will not be added to the draft bill.



8. County Road Commissions



The language currently in the draft bill will remain unchanged.



9. Hours of Operation



Operating hours will be changed in the draft bill from 30 minutes after sunrise/30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise/30 minutes after sunset.



10. Age of Operation



Language will be added to prohibit the operation of ORVs on county road shoulders to people less than 18 years of age unless they hold a valid drivers license or are directly supervised by a parent or guardian.



11. Lights



Language will be added to require a working headlight and taillight on any ORV operating on a county road shoulder (except for farm vehicles operating under current law with a flag.)



12. Prima Facie



Prima Facie liability will remain in the draft bill.



13. Liability Insurance



Insurance requirements will not be added to the draft bill.



14. Shoulder Width Requirements



Shoulder width requirement language will not be added to the draft bill.



Additional Change:



Language will be added to the draft bill to ensure ORVs can ride on F-routes (county roads which receive federal funding)

[phittie1100]

It lookslike most of the changes are positive ones. I am particularly pleased to see the language changed from misdemeanor to civil infraction on point 4.

[Kawiecutie]

that would have sucked if everything would have been considered a misdemeaner. that would go on your perminent record and be used againest you when ever the need arose