Michigan adopts commercial driver's licensing law, bringing state in line with FMCSA rules, effective immediately; provisions include steeper fines, longer suspensions for out-of-service violations

Alison Gallant

GRAIN VALLEY, Missouri , October 11, 2011 (Land Line Magazine ) – A new law in Michigan brings the state’s commercial driver’s licensing rules in compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a bill that includes a provision intended to make anyone who violates out-of-service orders pay a steep price. Previously SB495, the new law took effect immediately.

Fines for first offenders are more straightforward. Instead of violators facing a fine ranging from $1,100 to $2,750, they would be responsible for paying $2,500 fines. Anyone caught more than once would be responsible for paying $5,000.

Motor carriers also face greater punishment. Employers convicted of knowingly allowing, requiring, permitting or authorizing a driver in OOS status to get behind the wheel would face up to $25,000 fines. The maximum fine had been $11,000.

Also included in the bill is a lengthier suspension for drivers caught violating an OOS order. Getting behind the wheel of a truck subject to an OOS order would result in the driver’s license being suspended for six months. State law previously authorized 90-day suspensions.

Repeat offenses within 10 years would result in loss of driving privileges for two years – up from one year.

OOIDA leadership says that states have every incentive to make sure their rules mirror federal standards. They see it as a safety issue, but Joe Rajkovacz, OOIDA’s director of regulatory affairs, said states are also seeking to protect their pocketbooks from federal sanctions.

Noncompliance by states could result in a 5 percent loss of federal highway aid, complete loss of all federal grants, and a $5,000-a-day fine.

A separate provision in the new law requires a Michigan resident holding a CDL group endorsement issued by another state to apply for a license transfer within 30 days after establishing domicile in Michigan.

Another provision calls for the suspension of a vehicle group designation for 60 days if a person driving truck is convicted of, or found responsible for, two serious traffic violations within three years.

All group designations would be suspended for 120 days if a truck driver is convicted of or found responsible for three serious traffic violations within three years.

In addition, Michigan law already prohibits texting while driving any vehicle. Beginning Oct. 28, 2013, the rule will specifically prohibit the distracting activity while driving truck.

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