Lane-use tickets in Michigan generally fall under MCL 257.642, which governs how a driver must operate within a marked lane and when they may move from that lane. For commercial drivers operating through Taylor—particularly along I-94, US-24 (Telegraph), and the high-traffic industrial corridors—this is one of the more commonly issued civil infractions.
📄 What Michigan Law Actually Says
MCL 257.642(1) requires a driver to operate “as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane” and to avoid moving from that lane until they have first determined that the movement can be made safely.
Additional subsections regulate lane usage where the roadway has multiple lanes in the same direction and restrict improper passing or weaving.
This statute applies to both passenger vehicles and CMVs. There is no separate Michigan lane-use statute specifically for commercial trucks unless the violation overlaps with another rule—such as improper passing, failing to maintain lane due to load securement issues, or unsafe lane changes under MCL 257.642(2).
Lane-use violations under this statute are civil infractions, not misdemeanors.
🚚 Common Situations Leading to Lane-Use Tickets in Taylor
- Drifting over the lane line during heavy traffic merges near I-94 interchanges.
- Moving across multiple lanes without signaling or without confirming the lane was clear.
- Crossing lane markings in construction zones along Telegraph or Eureka, where barrels narrow the lane.
- Slight weaving consistent with wind shear or trailer sway, which officers sometimes interpret as unsafe movement.
In Taylor, officers frequently cite lane-use violations after observing a tractor-trailer deviate toward the shoulder or centerline—even momentarily—particularly during peak enforcement or when they suspect driver fatigue or distraction.
🛑 Consequences for Non-CDL Drivers
A lane-use violation is a civil infraction, generally resulting in:
- A fine (the exact amount is set locally by the 23rd District Court’s schedule).
- Points on the driver’s Michigan record (lane-use infractions typically carry 2 points under Michigan’s point system administered by the Secretary of State).
- Because the violation involves vehicle operation and safety, it can affect insurance ratings.
📊 Additional Consequences for CDL Drivers
FMCSA / CSA Impact
Lane-use violations fall under “unsafe driving” in the FMCSA CSA scoring system. A conviction reported by Michigan is forwarded to the CDL driver’s PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) record. Even a minor lane-use ticket can lead to:
- CSA severity points for the carrier.
- PSP history entries that remain visible to future employers.
- Potentially stricter internal policies from motor carriers, including disciplinary actions or required remedial training.
No Masking Rule
Federal regulations (49 CFR § 384.226) prohibit states from “masking” CDL violations. This means:
- Courts cannot dismiss or amend a CDL driver’s lane-use ticket to a non-moving offense solely to protect the commercial license.
- Any negotiated reduction must still comply with FMCSA requirements and Michigan law.
Risk of Related Violations
If the officer believed the lane deviation indicated fatigue, impairment, or cargo-related control issues, the stop can lead to:
- Logbook review and potential HOS violations.
- Level I or II DOT inspections with out-of-service risks if mechanical or cargo problems are found.
- Secondary citations such as careless driving (MCL 257.626b), though this is more serious and fact-dependent.
⚖️ How Taylor’s 23rd District Court Typically Handles These Cases
Lane-use tickets in Taylor are handled at the 23rd District Court, which serves the City of Taylor exclusively. As a civil infraction, the case begins with:
- An opportunity to admit responsibility, deny responsibility, or request an informal or formal hearing.
- Informal hearings conducted before a magistrate.
- Formal hearings conducted before a judge, often with the issuing officer present.
For CDL drivers, a formal hearing is often the wiser route because it allows evidentiary challenges—dash-cam footage, lane marking conditions, weather, trailer sway, and officer line-of-sight issues can all be relevant. Michigan courts can and do amend civil infractions when the facts support a different charge that does not violate federal anti-masking rules. That said, each case turns on the officer’s observations and the judge’s willingness to consider testimony about commercial-vehicle handling and “as nearly as practicable” lane-keeping under MCL 257.642.
📝 What a Driver in Taylor Should Do Next
A CDL driver who receives a lane-use ticket should act promptly. Waiting until the court deadline reduces negotiation options and can lead to a default judgment, which counts the same as a conviction. Gathering information immediately—load type, weather conditions, dash-cam footage, electronic logging data, and any mechanical issues—often helps build a solid defense.
Speaking with an attorney familiar with Taylor’s court procedures and commercial driver requirements is especially important because of the federal reporting consequences. Addressing the ticket properly can limit long-term impact on both your CDL and your carrier’s CSA profile.
When handled strategically, a lane-use violation does not have to derail a commercial driving career. Knowledge of the law and preparation go a long way toward protecting your record and your livelihood.