• Michigan laws set standards for traffic signs and symbols to guide and regulate traffic.stop sign image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
  
  Michigan Vehicle Code Act 300 of 1949 provides a description of the state's traffic sign laws. The purpose of the laws is to provide standards for traffic signs and symbols that are consistent across the state. In addition, traffic sign laws guide and regulate traffic to encourage traffic safety. Everyone who operates a vehicle in Michigan must abide by traffic sign laws or is subject to a civil infraction.
  
  

Traffic Sign Standards

• Michigan requires the state highway commissioner and state police to establish and maintain a manual with uniform standards for traffic signs and other traffic controls. The specifications included in the manual must adhere to guidelines set by the American Association of State Highway Officials that oversees general traffic sign provisions for all states. The purpose of the manual is maintain consistency of traffic sign design, color and shape throughout the state.
  
  

Driver Obedience of Traffic Signs

• Michigan law mandates all operators of vehicles to obey traffic signs. Traffic signs provide instructions for drivers to follow when operating vehicles on the road. They guide and regulate traffic to allow for the control of traffic flow and promote operator and passenger safety. The only exception for a vehicle operator to ignore a traffic sign is when he's directed by a law enforcement officer to do so. Furthermore, a vehicle operator must avoid driving on or across private property. Any operator failing to follow traffic signs or to remain on public roadways is subject to a traffic ticket and corresponding penalty or fine.
  
  

Work Zone Traffic Laws

• Any time work is performed along a roadway, whether the work involves construction, survey, maintenance or utility repair, the area is considered a work zone. The entity responsible for completing the work, such as the state Department of Transportation, County Road Commission or other local transportation authority, is authorized to direct traffic in a manner that ensures driver and worker safety. The person(s) directing traffic must follow instructions in the traffic sign manual for controlling traffic. If a vehicle operator ignores the direction of the person(s) directing traffic or traffic signs erected to guide traffic in a designated work zone area, the operator is issued a traffic ticket by a law enforcement officer.
  
  

Flashing Traffic Signs

• Under Michigan law, vehicle operators must stop at flashing red lights just as they would at stop signs. A flashing red light means the operator must make certain traffic is clear in all directions before proceeding through an intersection. A flashing yellow light is a symbol of caution. Operators may continue through an intersection while excising caution. When a person fails to properly acknowledge these traffic signs, he may receive a traffic violation.