Michigan § 257.642 - Roadway divided into 2 or more marked lanes; applicable rules; designation as HOV lane; restrictions; exceptions; designation as automated vehicle roadway or lane; violation as civil infraction.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.642 — Roadway divided into 2 or more marked lanes; applicable rules; designation as HOV lane; restrictions; exceptions; designation as automated vehicle roadway or lane; violation as civil infraction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 257.642. Roadway divided into 2 or more marked lanes; applicable rules; designation as HOV lane; restrictions; exceptions; designation as automated vehicle roadway or lane; violation as civil infraction.

Sec. 642.

(1) If a roadway is divided into 2 or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all other rules that are consistent with this act apply:

(a) A vehicle must be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and must not be moved from the lane until the operator has first ascertained that the movement can be safely made.

(b) On a roadway that is divided into 4 or more lanes and provides for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle must be operated within the extreme right-hand lane except if overtaking and passing, and must not cross the center line of the roadway except if making a left turn.

(c) On a roadway that is divided into 3 lanes and provides for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle must not be operated in the center lane except under any of the following circumstances:

(i) If overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction, and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance.

(ii) In preparation for a left turn.

(iii) If the center lane is allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction the vehicle is proceeding and the allocation is designated by official traffic control devices.

(d) Official traffic control devices may be erected directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and operators of vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic control device.

(e) Official traffic control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway, and operators of vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic control devices.

(2) If a lane is designated as an HOV lane by an agency with jurisdiction over the roadway, and is appropriately marked with traffic control devices, the lane must be reserved during the periods indicated for the exclusive use of buses and HOVs. The restrictions imposed on an HOV lane do not apply to any of the following:

(a) An authorized emergency vehicle.

(b) A law enforcement vehicle.

(c) A bus.

(d) A motorcycle.

(3) If a segment of roadway is designated as an automated vehicle roadway or a lane or ramp of an automated vehicle roadway as an automated vehicle roadway lane under section 665c, both of the following must apply:

(a) If a user fee is required under section 665c(1)(c), the user fee is paid.

(b) The motor vehicle or automated motor vehicle complies with any applicable requirements of section 665c(2).

(4) The requirements of subsection (3) apply in addition to other existing rules or regulations governing the use of an automated vehicle roadway or automated vehicle roadway lane that are not inconsistent with subsection (3).

(5) An individual who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction and may be fined as provided in section 907.

Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 257.642

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.642 cover?

Section 257.642 ("Roadway divided into 2 or more marked lanes; applicable rules; designation as HOV lane; restrictions; exceptions; designation as automated vehicle roadway or lane; violation as civil infraction.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Michigan § 257.642?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.642" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Michigan law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

How does Michigan § 257.642 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.