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Winter safety

Vehicles driving during winter conditions on I-96 and I-496 in Eaton County.
Department of Transportation

Winter safety

Snow, sleet, ice, and freezing temperatures all have an effect on winter driving conditions. This may mean driving slower than the posted speed limit, leaving more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, allowing extra time to arrive at your destination, and checking road conditions before leaving.

Remember: Ice and snow, take it slow.

Winter driving legislation

Public Act 300 Section 257.627 - Motorists must follow Michigan's Basic Speed Law, which requires them to drive at a "careful and prudent" speed in all conditions. 

Public Act 300 Section 257.643b - Motorists are required to stay at least 200 feet, or about the length of 12 cars, when following a snowplow. This does not apply when legally passing a snowplow. When a motorist approaches a snowplow from the rear that is stopped at or in an intersection, they shall stop not less than 20 feet from the snowplow.

Download the winter travel safety brochure
Winter driving legislation Video
MDOT GIS winter level of service map.
MDOT GIS winter level of service map.

Winter level of service web map

This map shows the priority level 1 (orange routes) and priority level 2 (blue routes) regarding maintenance services as appropriate under prevailing weather conditions.


Launch winter level of service map

Snowplows & salt use

Mi Drive map showing snowplow location.

Snowplow tracking

Snowplow tracking allows motorists to locate and view plows on state trunklines.


MDOT snowplow with the name Tiger on the plow blades.

MDOT snowplow names

At MDOT, we love our snowplows! Check out our creatively named snowplows working hard to keep our roads clear.

Ovid-Elsie High School art students introduced their safe winter driving-themed plow blade - Don't Rush in Ice and Slush.

Paint the Plow

MDOT is partnering with local school districts to promote winter driving safety by painting snowplow blades.

MDOT Tow Plow in action on I-96 in MDOT's University Region.

Tow plow

A Tow Plow is a plow truck which enables crews to clear two full lanes of highway in a single pass reducing labor and costs.

Winter maintenance vehicles with traffic on I-96 and I-496 in Eaton County.

Green lights

Better visibility with green lights means safer roads for winter maintenance workers and motorists.

MDOT salt shed ready for winter.

Salt use

Why doesn't MDOT use more salt? Learn how temperatures determine when salt is used and when it can be effective.