I received an email in regards to the Slow Moving Vehicle placard. The email referenced how it is illegal for people to use the slow moving vehicle sign as driveway markers or any other use other than on a slow moving vehicle. The citizen continued in the email about how the “use of this placard creates a dangerous situation for farmers and anyone who needs to use these signs as prescribed by law. Why do troopers and other law enforcement not enforce this law by issuing tickets?” I also took a call at the post reference this same topic a while ago and the caller was also very concerned with this. Honestly, it was not something I would have considered enforcing until I started researching it.

In the Michigan Vehicle Code under MCL, it discusses Additional lights or reflectors on vehicles. This statue talks about all the different lighting or reflector requirements for a number of different vehicles. Section 257.688(1)g states, “when operated on the highway, every vehicle that has a maximum potential speed of 25 miles an hour, implement of husbandry, farm tractor, modified agriculture vehicle, or special mobile equipment shall be identified with a reflective device as follows: (i) An equilateral triangle in shape…, (ii) …of yellow-orange fluorescent material.” This triangle is otherwise known as the slow moving vehicle placard. Under 257.688(2) states, “The device described in subsection (1)(g) shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle, broad base down, not less than 3 feet nor more than 5 feet above the ground and as near the center of the vehicle as possible.”

Also under 257.688(2), it describes where the slow moving placard shall be affixed. It states, “The use of this reflective device is restricted to use on slow moving vehicles specified in this section, and use of such reflective device on any other type of vehicle or stationary object on the highway is prohibited…”

MCL 257.683(6) states, “…a person who violates a provision of sections 683 to 711 with respect to equipment on vehicles is responsible for a civil infraction.” The approximate cost of this civil infraction would be $100.

Overall, the point of this column is to notify those citizens who are using a slow moving placard in a way other than to mark a slow moving vehicle, to please remove them from the end of the driveway or mailbox, as it is a criminal offense.

Ashley Simpson is a Community Service Trooper for the MSP Alpena Post. If you have a question for Trooper Simpson, you can email her at asktroopersimpson@gmail.com or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police – Alpena Post, 3283 W. Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707.