8 Winter Driving Laws That Can Get You Ticketed in Michigan

If you live in Michigan, snow is something you can bank on for what feels like 6 months of the year. It’s like an annoying roommate, sure, but one you’ve had to learn to live with. What a lot of people don’t realize is that winter weather can quickly and quietly turn your car into a moving traffic violation.

Snow on Your License Plate Can Get You Ticketed

Let’s start with the one that seems to surprise people the most. Yes, it is illegal for snow to cover your license plate. If an officer can’t read it from about 50 feet away, you’re asking for a ticket. Same goes for your headlights and taillights. Snow-packed lights don’t just make it harder to see, they make you harder to see, and Michigan law is very clear about brightness and visibility.

Windshields seem obvious, but rear windows count too. If snow blocks your back window and you don’t have properly adjusted side mirrors, that’s also a problem. Auto No Fault Law says that basically, if snow messes with your vision, Michigan law says your car shouldn’t be moving.

Flying Snow and Ice Is More Than Just Dangerous

Then there’s the flying snow issue. We’ve all seen it, a sheet of ice launches off the roof of a car like a frozen frisbee on I-75. That’s not just scary, it’s illegal. Letting snow or ice fall into traffic and block another driver’s view can absolutely get you pulled over.

Why the Speed Limit Changes in Bad Weather

And here’s the real kicker. In bad weather, the posted speed limit is no longer the ‘legal’ speed. Michigan law says you must slow down for conditions. Driving the speed limit on icy roads can still mean that you are driving too fast according to GreatMIAttourneys.com.

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The fix is simple. Brush everything off. Roof included. Or run your car through an indoor wash and knock off the salt while you’re at it. A few extra minutes can save you a ticket, or worse.

Michigan winter already takes enough from us. Don’t let it take your wallet too.