Sec. 74116.

(1) Subject to subsection (4), the operator of a nonresident motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle shall not enter any state park with that motor vehicle unless a valid motor vehicle park permit issued under section 74117 is affixed to the lower right-hand corner of the windshield. An annual motor vehicle park permit for a nonresident motor vehicle shall be affixed permanently for that year. The department shall post signs at parks that state that a motor vehicle park permit is required for entry by a nonresident motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle.

(2) Subject to subsection (4), the operator of a resident motor vehicle shall not enter a state park with the resident motor vehicle unless the recreation passport fee has been paid for that motor vehicle. Payment of the recreation passport fee authorizes entry into all state parks and recreation areas and designated state-operated public boating access sites until expiration of the motor vehicle registration.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), if the secretary of state issues registration tabs or stickers as described in section 805 of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.805, the operator of a resident motor vehicle shall not enter a state park with the resident motor vehicle unless the resident motor vehicle has a registration tab or sticker marked as provided under that section to show that the recreation passport fee has been paid.

(4) Subsections (1) to (3) do not apply under any of the following circumstances:

(a) While the motor vehicle is being driven or parked within an established federal, state, or county highway within a state park.

(b) If the motor vehicle is used in the operation or maintenance of a state park, is an emergency motor vehicle, is a state owned or law enforcement motor vehicle, or is a private motor vehicle being operated on official state business.

(c) If the motor vehicle is registered under section 803e(1) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.803e, and is exempt under section 803e(6) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.803e, from the registration tax, or if the motor vehicle is registered under section 217d or 803f of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.217d and 257.803f.

(d) At a state-operated public boating access site or a state park where there is an opportunity to fish on a day that the department has designated as a free winter fishing day or a free fishing day under section 43534.

(e) If and to the extent that the department waives the requirements for department-sponsored events or other circumstances as determined by the director or the director's designee.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 2010, Act 33, Eff. Oct. 1, 2010 ;-- Am. 2013, Act 81, Eff. May 1, 2014 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 1, Eff. Apr. 25, 2016 Popular Name: Act 451Popular Name: NREPA