New Snowplow Rules For Grand Rapids and Michigan Roads

The weather forecasts were right. We had snow this morning for the first time this season. It was a light smattering of snow, but non the less, it was snowing and the snowplows were out treating the roads.

So now we have to click into winter driving rules and that is always a big adjustment for us. And, on top of readjusting our driving brains, we have to wrestle with new laws of the road.

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Our news partner, Fox17, reported there is a new state law for the winter that requires 200 feet distance between you and a snowplow ahead of you. 200 feet??

Hmmm, how much distance is 200 feet? That’s equal to about 10-12 car lengths, and we all know that is much more distance than most of us drivers give.

Snowplow drivers have always said to stay back, but really we all think that if we are closer to the plow they will see us better. WRONG! It's impossible for a snowplow driver to see you when you are close. As one driver said,

“We can't see cars that are behind us. If you can't see our mirrors, we can't see you. So, we just are driving assuming that there's nobody there, and then if you go to pass really quick, that's when accidents happen.”

Does that mean you can never pass a snowplow? No, of course you may pass a snow plow, but only on the left because passing on the right is very dangerous and illegal!

So, when is it safe to pass? Snowplow drivers say when they are doing intersections.

"We'll get over to the side, and you can get around. Or, a lot of times we'll run the shoulder really slow, and then just make sure you have a clear path, and you can get around us.”

Also, don't forget the Michigan "Move Over" law. When a plow is parked on the shoulder, remember Michigan’s “Move Over” law: Move over into the next lane if there is one and it’s safe. If not, slow down to 10 miles-per-hour under the speed limit.