Annoyed: Is It Illegal To Drive Too Slowly In Genesee County & Michigan?

We've all been stuck on I-69 headed to work at a speed far slower than the posted 70 miles per hour -- in the left lane. What makes it worse: there's NO reason for it. No snow. No rain. No other vehicle ahead of that person. Or my other favorite, headed down Dort Highway where it's now 55 miles per hour, someone's going 45.  Or this one... 35 miles per hour posted on Saginaw Street in Downtown Grand Blanc...someone won't go above 25 and it's not the school zone.  Let's add that to our frustration, too... When school isn't in session, you don't have to slow down.

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Is it illegal to drive too slowly in Genesee County and Michigan?

Of course, the answer isn't perfectly clear.  From the Michigan Legislature website Section 257.627 for Speed Limits:

"(1) An individual operating a vehicle on a highway shall operate that vehicle at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway and of any other condition existing at the time. An individual shall not operate a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than that which will permit a stop within the assured, clear distance ahead. A violation of this subsection shall be known and may be referred to as a violation of the basic speed law or "VBSL"."

A little more research in Section 257.634 of the Michigan Legislature website shows we do have a Left Lane Law in Michigan for state highways.  Slower traffic is supposed to keep right, pass on the left. In so many words, you can receive a civil infraction for driving too slowly provided there isn't construction, emergency vehicles or inclement weather.

What if my car navigation displays the incorrect speed limit in Michigan?

Coworkers mentioned some older model vehicles with built-in gps/navigation maps automatically display the speed limit. Since those vehicles are older, they can't update with wifi, cellular or satellite signals and haven't been updated to reflect current speed limits. So, that's a thing, but not an excuse.

My philosophy is, if you're too scared to drive like we were all taught to do... DON'T. You're equally as unsafe as careless speeders. Perhaps a horse & carriage is more your speed?

Next time someone is driving unreasonably slowly, report them.