Michigan § 750.498b - Marine safety device; tampering with, taking, or removing prohibited; violation; penalty; definitions.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.498b — Marine safety device; tampering with, taking, or removing prohibited; violation; penalty; definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 750.498b. Marine safety device; tampering with, taking, or removing prohibited; violation; penalty; definitions.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person who, without lawful authority, tampers with, takes, or removes a marine safety device owned or maintained by this state or a political subdivision of this state knowing or having reason to know that the device is a marine safety device is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(2) A person who, without lawful authority, tampers with, takes, or removes a marine safety device owned or maintained by this state or a political subdivision of this state knowing or having reason to know that the device is a marine safety device, and thereby renders the device unavailable or unusable for rescue when needed is guilty of a crime as follows:
(a) If the violation is the proximate cause of serious impairment of a body function of another person, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not less than $1,000.00 or more than $5,000.00, or both imprisonment and a fine.
(b) If the violation is the proximate cause of the death of another person, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not less than $2,500.00 or more than $10,000.00, or both imprisonment and a fine.
(3) As used in this section:
(a) "Marine safety device" means a device designed or intended to be used to rescue individuals in marine emergency situations, including, but not limited to, life preservers, safety harnesses, ladders, lines, and throw rings.
(b) "Serious impairment of a body function" means that term as defined in section 58c of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.58c.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 750.498b
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.498b cover?
Section 750.498b ("Marine safety device; tampering with, taking, or removing prohibited; violation; penalty; definitions.") 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 § 750.498b?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.498b" (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 § 750.498b 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.