A bill clarifying what drivers need to do at non-working traffic lights is headed to Governor Rick Snyder's desk.
Senate Bill 521, sponsored by Senator Rick Jones of Grand Ledge, was approved in the house on Wednesday. It would require drivers to treat intersections as a four way stop when a traffic light is out.
"Although most drivers believe that an intersection with a non-working traffic signal becomes a four-way stop, that is not true in Michigan," Jones said.
Current law calls for the intersection to revert back to the basic right of way requirements. Drivers approaching the intersection must yield to vehicles already in the intersection. When two cars enter at the same time, the driver of the car on the left yields to the car on the right.
Jones says the bill will end confusion and ensure drivers are on the same page.
"It might slow traffic a bit on major roads, but it's worth it if it can help save lives."