Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by The Insurance Pros
Michigan Snowplow Laws: What Drivers Need to Know
Michigan winters can change road conditions fast. Snowplows help keep traffic moving, but they also create hazards when drivers tailgate, pass unsafely, or ignore flashing lights. This guide breaks down Michigan’s snowplow rules, what the law expects, and simple ways to drive safer around plows.
The Key Michigan Snowplow Law: The 200-Foot Rule
Michigan law says you must not follow a snowplow more closely than 200 feet when it is operating. That is roughly 12–16 car lengths, depending on vehicle size and spacing. The goal is simple: give plow drivers room to stop, turn, and clear lanes without drivers crowding their blind spots.
If you want to read the law directly, it’s in Michigan Vehicle Code MCL 257.643b.
Stopped at an Intersection: Keep 20 Feet Back
Michigan also requires drivers approaching a snowplow that is stopped at or in an intersection to stop at least 20 feet behind it. This spacing helps plows maneuver safely and reduces the risk of sliding into the truck on ice. (See MCL 257.643b for the intersection language.)
Passing Snowplows in Michigan
Passing a snowplow is risky because snow spray can erase visibility in seconds. Michigan safety guidance is clear:
- It is illegal to pass a snowplow on the right.
- Passing on the left may be legal in some situations, but you should only do it when conditions are clear and you can complete the pass safely.
- Be alert for wing plows, which can extend beyond the truck and can be difficult to see in blowing snow.
For official winter driving guidance near plows, Michigan State Police OHSP provides a helpful overview here:
Drive Safely Near Snowplows (MSP OHSP).
Move Over Law: Yes, It Can Apply Near Snowplows
If you see a snowplow stopped with flashing lights, treat it like a work zone on the roadside. Michigan’s Move Over guidance generally requires drivers to move over when possible and, if you cannot move over safely, to slow down and pass with extra caution. A common requirement is reducing speed to at least 10 mph below the posted limit when you can’t change lanes safely.
You can review Michigan’s Move Over guidance here:
Michigan Move Over Law (MSP OHSP).
Why Snowplows Are More Dangerous Than They Look
Snowplows are heavy, they stop slower than most cars, and the driver’s visibility is limited. On top of that, plows often:
- Change lanes or overlap lanes while clearing multiple tracks
- Kick up snow clouds that hide lane markings and obstacles
- Spread salt or sand that can reduce traction for vehicles driving too close
When you give a plow room, you protect yourself, and you help the roads get cleared faster for everyone. Staying focused is critical in winter conditions. Michigan’s distracted driving laws also apply when driving near snowplows.
Practical Safety Tips When You’re Behind a Snowplow
- Leave 200 feet behind an operating plow.
- Turn on your headlights so the plow driver can see you.
- Avoid sudden lane changes near plows, especially when visibility drops.
- Assume the plow may stop, turn, or back up with little warning.
- If you pass, do it only with clear visibility and plenty of room, then return to a safe following distance.
How Snowplow Accidents Can Affect Insurance
A winter crash near a snowplow often leads to expensive damage. In most cases:
- Collision coverage typically applies if you hit another vehicle or a snowplow.
- Comprehensive coverage may apply for certain winter-related losses (like falling tree limbs), but not normal collisions.
- Following too closely or making unsafe passes can lead to tickets, and those can affect rates over time.
If you want to double-check your winter coverage before the next storm, it’s worth reviewing your deductibles and whether you have rental reimbursement and roadside assistance.
Final Takeaway
The safest approach is simple: give snowplows space, never pass on the right, and slow down when you see flashing lights or low visibility. Those steps keep you legal, reduce crash risk, and help Michigan roads clear faster.
