OAKLAND CO., Mich. (WXYZ) – Winter is just around the corner. This year, a new law is in effect to protect snowplow drivers and people driving in icy conditions.

If you break the law, you could receive a ticket. It was signed over the summer and came into force immediately. This is therefore the first winter that this law comes into force.

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“Does this new law make you feel safer? I asked Shawncey Walker, maintenance worker for the Oakland County Highway Commission.

“In fact, to the extent that we can keep the public away from us, work, excel,” » Shawncey said.

Shawncey has been plowing roads for 32 years. He saw everything, including the drivers sneaking up behind him.

“You wonder why are they doing this? You know what I’m saying when they need to be further away from the vehicle so we can all work safely, so they can travel safely,” Shawncey said.

A new law aims to change that and give drivers space.

The law states that drivers cannot follow a snow plow more than 200 feet. However, there are exceptions. For example, you can pass a snow plow. But when stopped, drivers must stay 20 feet away from the plow.

I asked Craig Bryson from the Highway Commission what the most important points of this new law are that drivers need to know.

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“Well, it’s for their safety first and foremost,” Craig said. “This law was created because there were too many people crashing into the back of salt trucks. They estimate that at 55 miles per hour you need over 200 feet to stop safely behind another vehicle.

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To give you an idea of ​​how far apart they are 200 feet, the trucks in the photo above are 200 feet apart. If you do not follow this law, it could cost you dearly since it is a civil infraction.

“That means you can get a ticket of up to $100 if you’re caught doing this,” Craig said.

But as I found out from talking to people, $100 is quite a fine.

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“I think it might be a little too much, I’d say about $50 or so, right? I think $100 is a little expensive,” said Ken Kashat of West Bloomfield.

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“It seems excessive, but I think once people understand and get used to the measure, to the fine, they will become wiser,” said Carlton McAfee of Detroit.

While $100 may seem like a lot, people I spoke to said they think the law is a good idea to keep everyone safe when driving in bad weather.

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“Stay back, if they’re in your way, if there’s a lot of snow, you might be good for the town…stay back,” said Southfield resident Coley Maxwell.

This law only applies when plows have their operating lights on and are actively working to clear roads.