Legal Question in Traffic Law in Michigan

I received a citation for a civil infraction under Michigan statute 257.653, Emergency Vehicle Caution Law. There was no accident, no injury to emergency personnel. It was my failure to change lanes upon seeing the emergency vehicle off the side of the road.

Based on the instruction on the form I received from the officer, I understand that I have to respond within 14 days with either admission of responsibility, admission of responsibility, or a denial of responsibility. What are the impacts of admitting responsibility for civil infraction to my criminal record? Is it worth the effort to admit responsibility with the explanation that I am an out-of-state driver, it was my first time driving on Michigan roadways, and I was unaware of the statute?

If I admit responsibility, how do I determine if there is a fine that I have to pay - there is nothing on the form given to me by the police officer that states what that fine would be. What should I do? Thank you.


Asked on 11/14/09, 7:46 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Timothy Klisz Klisz Law Office, PLLC

Hire a local attorney to help keep it off your states driving record. This will be bad for insurance if it goes on your record. www.kliszlaw.com. Tim Klisz

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Answered on 11/19/09, 8:16 pm
Daniel Hajji Daniel Hajji & Associates

go to michigantrafficviolations.com for more info on this traffic violation and for a traffic law lawyer

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Answered on 11/19/09, 8:57 pm
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Your criminal record will not be affected as this is a civil matter. If you wish, you can schedule a court appearance to contest the citation which I advise you to do as these tickets can be negotiated to keep them off your traffic record.

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Answered on 11/20/09, 9:16 am


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