A.Statutory Authority: Turning at Intersection
1.Right turn
“Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.” MCL 257.647(1)(a).
However, where local authorities have placed pavement markers, signs, or signals “direct[ing] that a different course from that specified in [MCL 257.647] be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection[,]” the “driver of a vehicle shall not turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by those markers, signs, or signals.” MCL 257.647(1)(e).
2.Left turn
“Approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line in a manner as not to interfere with the progress of any streetcar, and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered.” MCL 257.647(1)(b).
“Approach for a left turn from a 2-way roadway into a 1-way roadway shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line and clear of existing car tracks in use, and by passing to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection.” MCL 257.647(1)(c).
“Approach for a left turn from a 1-way roadway into a 2-way roadway shall be made as close as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway and by passing to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered.” MCL 257.647(1)(c).
“Where both streets or roadways are 1-way, both the approach for a left turn and a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.” MCL 257.647(1)(d).
However, where local authorities have placed pavement markers, signs, or signals “direct[ing] that a different course from that specified in [MCL 257.647] be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection[,]” the “driver of a vehicle shall not turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by those markers, signs, or signals.” MCL 257.647(1)(e).
B.Statutory Authority: Signals for Stopping or Turning
“The operator of a vehicle . . . upon a highway, before stopping or turning from a direct line, shall first determine that the stopping or turning can be made in safety and shall give a signal as required in [MCL 257.648].” MCL 257.648(1).
“Except as provided in [MCL 257.648(5)1], a signal required under [MCL 257.648] shall be given either by means of the hand and arm in the manner specified in [MCL 257.648], or by a mechanical or electrical signal device that conveys an intelligible signal or warning to other highway traffic.” MCL 257.648(2).
“When a person is operating a vehicle and signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the operator shall signal as follows:
(a) For a left turn, the operator shall extend his or her left hand and arm horizontally.
(b) For a right turn, the operator shall extend his or her left hand and arm upward.
(c) To stop or decrease speed, the operator shall extend his or her left hand and arm downward.” MCL 257.648(3).
C.Turning and Signaling Violations
Turning and signaling violations include:
•Failing to signal or improper signal, MCL 257.648;
•Improper or prohibited right or left turn, MCL 257.647 and MCL 257.648; and
•Improper turn from wrong lane, MCL 257.647.
The general rules for assessing a civil fine and costs apply to turning and signal violations. See Section 1.20 for a discussion of the general rules governing the assessment of a civil fine and costs; see also the Michigan Judicial Institute’s table for a quick reference guide.
Only applicable sanctions are listed below; accordingly, if a particular sanction is omitted from this section, it is not applicable to this offense. The Offense Code Index for Traffic Violations published by the secretary of state and sourced from the Michigan Department of State Court Manual includes a table detailing traffic offenses and applicable sanctions. See Section 1.41 for more information on abstracting procedures.
•Four points are assessed for “a moving violation resulting in an at-fault collision with another vehicle, an individual, or any other object.” MCL 257.320a(1)(l). See Section 1.42 for more information on points.
•Two points are assessed for “[a]ll other moving violations pertaining to the operation of motor vehicle reports under [MCL 257.320a.]” MCL 257.320a(1)(u). See Section 1.42 for more information on points.
•Using turn signal on highway, MCL 257.648
“MCL 257.648 requires drivers to use a turn signal when changing lanes on a highway[.]” People v Hrlic, 277 Mich App 260, 266 (2007).
1 MCL 257.648(5) concerns commercial motor vehicles.