Sec. 708b.

(1) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle that is to be used upon the highways of this state with a television or other similar electronic device that displays a video image that can be viewed by the operator while the motor vehicle is in motion.

(2) This section does not apply to:

(a) An audio entertainment system, heating or air-conditioning controls, or other accessory controls in the motor vehicle.

(b) A vehicle information or navigation system for use in displaying only information pertaining to vehicle location, available routes and destinations, road layouts, weather conditions, traffic and road conditions, vehicle conditions, or traveler services.

(c) A research vehicle if the test plan for the vehicle has been approved by a process meeting federal guidelines established in 45 CFR part 46 for the protection of human beings and the vehicle has been issued a special registration permit by the secretary of state.

(d) A motor vehicle equipped with a video display to enhance or supplement the driver's view.

(e) A police vehicle, fire vehicle, or ambulance equipped with a monitor for use with a computer-aided dispatch system or emergency equipment controls.

(f) A police vehicle equipped with a monitor for use with recording equipment.

(g) A motor vehicle equipped with a video display to communicate vehicle, driver, or safety conditions.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a visual device permitted under subsection (2)(a) or (b) shall be built into the dashboard, center console, instrument panel, rearview mirror, or other control area of the vehicle and shall meet all applicable federal motor vehicle dash safety standards. An aftermarket visual device described in subsection (2)(a) or (b) may be installed or mounted on the windshield or above the dashboard, but shall not be mounted within the deployment profile of the vehicle airbags or in a manner that interferes with the operator's view or control. This subsection does not apply to a research vehicle described in subsection (2)(c).

(4) Upon receipt of a completed application, on a form prescribed by the secretary of state, and payment of a fee of $10.00, the secretary of state may issue a special permit authorizing a research vehicle to use the highways of this state. A copy of the authority received by the applicant under subsection (2)(c) shall be submitted as part of the application for the special permit. The special permit may be in a form as prescribed by, and shall be displayed on a research vehicle in a manner determined by, the secretary of state. The special permit shall expire upon completion of or expiration of the specific test plan approved under subsection (2)(c), whichever occurs first, and shall be immediately removed from the research vehicle and destroyed. A special permit shall not be transferred to another vehicle or person. The fee collected under this subsection shall be credited to the Michigan transportation fund and used to defray the expenses of the secretary of state in administering the special permit program. In addition to a special permit, the appropriate vehicle registration plate shall be displayed on a research vehicle to use a highway of this state.

(5) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.

History: Add. 1991, Act 55, Imd. Eff. June 27, 1991 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 362, Imd. Eff. Oct. 4, 2004 ;-- Am. 2008, Act 19, Imd. Eff. Mar. 7, 2008