DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
BUREAU OF HIGHWAY TECHNICAL SERVICES  
DRIVEWAYS, BANNERS, AND PARADES ON AND OVER HIGHWAYS  
(By authority conferred on the executive director of the Michigan administrative hearing  
system by section 5 of 1969 PA 200, MCL 247.325, and Executive Reorganization Order  
Nos. 2005-1, and 2011-4, MCL 445.2011, and MCL 445.2021, MCL 445.2030)  
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 247.201 Definitions; B, C.  
Rule 1. (1) The terms defined in Act No. 200 of the Public Acts of 1969 have the  
same meaning when used in these rules, except that the term "highway" means only  
a state trunk line highway.  
(2) "Banner" means an arrangement of words, lettering or symbols or  
a
decorative device, including a Christmas decoration, suspended over any portion of a  
highway or adjacent to a travel lane.  
(3) "Buffer area" means a portion of a highway right-of-way adjacent to  
a
pavement that serves as a physical barrier between highway traffic and activity on  
private property.  
(4) "Circle driveway" means a private driveway that enters and leaves private  
property at 2 points within the same frontage.  
(5) "Clear vision area" means land acquired or used by the agency having  
jurisdiction over a highway, for the purpose of maintaining unobstructed vision.  
(6) "Commercial driveway" means a driveway serving  
a
commercial  
establishment, industry, governmental or educational institution, hospital, church,  
apartment building, or other large traffic generator.  
(7) "Commission" means the Michigan state highway commission.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.202 Definitions; D.  
Rule 2. (1) "Department" means the Michigan department of state highways.  
(2) "Directional driveway" means a driveway designed so that traffic leaving the  
highway is separated from traffic entering the highway with some turning movements  
prohibited.  
(3) "Divided driveway" means a driveway designed so that traffic leaving the  
highway is separated from traffic entering the highway.  
(4) "Dual service driveways" means 2 adjacent commercial driveways  
designed to facilitate traffic movement from a highway to a single private property by  
use of either driveway and a return to the highway by use of the other driveway.  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.204 Definitions; F to L.  
Rule 4. (1) "Field entrance" means a driveway serving a farmyard, cultivated  
or uncultivated field, timberland, or undeveloped land not used for industrial,  
commercial or residential purposes.  
(2) "Frontage" means a private property line that abuts a highway right-of-  
way.  
(3) "Limited access" means a highway right-of-way in respect to which owners  
or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access to or  
from the highway except at designated access points, determined by the public  
authority having jurisdiction over the highway.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.206 Definitions; R to U.  
Rule 6. (1) "Residential driveway" means a driveway serving a private home.  
(2) "Resolution" means a resolution passed by a  
local  
governing  
body  
authorizing a specific official to apply to the department for an individual permit,  
or for all permits in a blanket resolution, wherein the governing body agrees to  
indemnify and save harmless all persons from claims of every kind arising out of  
operations authorized by such permit as is issued.  
(3) "Right-of-way line" means a boundary between private property and public  
land under legal control of the agency having jurisdiction over the highway.  
(4) "Utility structure driveway" means a driveway serving a utility structure,  
such as a pumphouse or substation, which operates automatically and requires only  
occasional access.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.211 Applicability.  
Rule 11. (1) These rules apply to all highways under the jurisdiction of  
the commission.  
(2) Nothing in these rules shall be construed to prevent the application of the  
provisions of any other statute of this state or any local ordinance which is more  
restrictive than these rules nor to preclude any city or village from requiring city or  
village permits with respect to any street or highway within its corporate limits. No  
permit shall be issued pursuant to these rules unless there is compliance with other  
provisions of law and ordinances.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.213 Permits; necessity.  
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Rule 13. A person, organization, or governmental unit shall not undertake or  
conduct any of the following activities on or along a highway unless a permit has been  
obtained from the department:  
(a) Construct, reconstruct, relocate, or surface a driveway or related construction.  
(b) Operate, use, or maintain a new driveway.  
(c) Erect or suspend a banner, decoration, or similar object.  
(d) Close a section of a highway to normal traffic for the purpose of staging a  
parade, celebration, festival, or similar activity.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.214 Processing of permits.  
Rule 14. (1) A permit shall not be issued for  
a
driveway, banner, parade,  
celebration, or festival along or over a limited access highway.  
(2) The department may authorize local governmental agencies to review or  
process applications and to perform necessary site inspections.  
(3) Construction of a new driveway or reconstruction of a driveway connecting  
to a highway shall be allowed only after a permit has been obtained from the  
department. The construction or reconstruction of a driveway shall be as described  
in the permit and plans or drawings attached, unless the department authorizes a  
change.  
(4) Future changes in the use of property abutting a highway, such as a change  
from residential to commercial use or a change in the type of commercial operation,  
may require changes in the number, design, or location of driveways constructed  
after the effective date of these rules.  
The property owner then shall obtain a new permit from the department.  
(5) In the case of commercial, industrial, or other developments where driveway  
access or related activities may be complicated or where the available parking area  
on private property is limited, the department may be contacted in the initial site  
planning stages before application for a  
permit. An approved preliminary site plan satisfactory to all parties then may be  
established early in the development process.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.215 Enforcement.  
Rule 15. (1) If a person fails to comply with any provisions of a permit or fails to  
obtain an appropriate permit, the department may halt his activity for which a  
permit is required until adequate corrections have been made. Costs incurred by the  
department in correcting failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a permit,  
failure to obtain a permit, or defective workmanship or materials shall be borne  
by the applicant or person undertaking the activity.  
(2) The applicant or his representative shall perform all work and pay all costs in  
connection with permitted activities.  
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History: 1979 AC.  
PART 2. DRIVEWAY PERMITS  
R 247.221 Applications.  
Rule 21. (1) An application for a driveway permit shall be accepted from a property  
owner, governmental agency, lessee, or its legally authorized agent.  
(2) An application for a driveway permit shall be submitted in the manner  
prescribed on forms supplied by the department. The application shall contain or be  
accompanied by a certification of either legal ownership or agency authorization.  
The application shall be accompanied by plans or drawings containing the information  
required by R 247.222 and shall include the applicable design features required by  
part 3.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.222 Plans or drawings.  
Rule 22. Copies of a driveway permit application shall be accompanied by plans  
or drawings clearly indicating the following features of the site and abutting highway  
as the department may require:  
(a) Existing highway pavement, ditches, right-of-way and property lines, highway  
appurtenances, utilities, medians, if existing, and dimensions thereof.  
(b) For commercial driveways, buildings, both proposed and existing, and  
appurtenances and dimensions thereof, including a notation as to present use of the  
buildings and details of internal traffic circulation, parking, and traffic signs.  
(c) Design features in accordance with part 3 of driveways, tapers and right-turn  
lanes to be constructed, reconstructed, relocated, surfaced, resurfaced, operated,  
used, or maintained, including the following dimensions and features:  
(i) Widths of driveways.  
(ii) Radii of driveway returns and other points of curvature.  
(iii) Driveway grades or profile view of drive, when necessary.  
(iv) Angle of the driveway relative to the highway centerline.  
(v) Dimensions of traffic islands adjacent to the highway.  
(vi) Driveway surface material and traffic island surface material.  
(d) Distance from each existing and proposed driveway on the site to:  
(i) Nearest intersecting street, road, or highway.  
(ii) Nearest driveway on adjacent properties.  
(iii) Street, road, highway, or driveways opposite the site.  
(iv) Property lines and property lines extended to the highway centerline.  
(v) Buildings and business appurtenances on the site.  
(e) Features in addition to driveways to be constructed within the highway  
right-of-way, including traffic control islands, curb, sidewalks, and authorized traffic  
signs.  
(f) Existing and proposed drainage structures and controls to include:  
(i) Size of drive culvert.  
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(ii) Type of culvert.  
(iii) Type of culvert end treatment.  
(iv) Grade of culvert.  
(v) Direction of surface water flow on or from adjacent property.  
(g) North directional arrow.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.223 Specifications and design standards.  
Rule 23. The design, location, construction, and operation of driveways and  
related construction within the highway right-of-way shall meet requirements of the  
current department standard specifications for highway construction and the design  
standards required by part 3 of these rules. A deviation therefrom shall be consistent  
with current and projected traffic volumes on the highway and on the driveway,  
adjacent development, equivalence of materials and methods, and safety requirements  
of persons using the driveways and highway. The deviation shall be authorized only  
by the department.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.224 Conditions and limitations in permits.  
Rule 24. A driveway permit is subject to the  
limitations:  
(a) The department reserves the right of inspection  
following  
conditions  
and  
by  
its authorized  
representatives of a driveway constructed within a highway right-of-way. The permittee  
shall reimburse the department for the services of an on-the-job inspection which  
may be required for major commercial developments or other special cases.  
(b) The department or its representative may require that it be given at least 5 days'  
notice before commencement of an operation covered by the permit.  
(c) The permittee shall have a copy of the permit available at the site during  
construction.  
(d) The permittee shall take, provide, and maintain necessary precautions to  
prevent injury or damage to persons and property from operations covered by the  
permit, and shall use warning signs and safety devices which are in accordance with  
the current Michigan manual of uniform traffic control devices.  
(e) The permittee shall surrender the permit and all rights thereunder when  
notified to do so by the department because of its need for the area covered by the  
permit or because of default of any provision of the permit. The department may  
grant the person a new permit.  
(f) Altered natural drainage shall not be permitted to flow onto the highway  
right-of-way unless special provisions are approved by the department.  
(g) The permit holder shall remove all surplus materials to an area outside of  
the highway right-of-way, unless the permit provides for disposal at locations  
within the highway right-of-way. Excavated material shall be stockpiled so it does not  
adversely affect the safety of traffic.  
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(h) Work authorized by the permit shall be completed to the satisfaction of the  
department on or before the completion date specified in the permit. A request  
for an extension of time for completion of this work shall include reasons for the  
request. Approval of extension of time shall be based on extenuating circumstances and  
absence of neglect by the permittee.  
(i) The property owner or his agent shall maintain the driveways set forth in the  
permit.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.226 Indemnity and insurance.  
Rule 26. A permittee shall save harmless the department against any claim for  
damages arising from his negligence or his contractor's negligence in operations  
covered by the permit. Certificates of  
insurance may be required in case of a  
commercial driveway to insure claims for damage or personal injury. General  
liability insurance carried by an applicant or contractor is acceptable.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.227 Performance bonds.  
Rule 27. (1) A performance bond shall be required by a permit which is issued  
for construction or reconstruction of a commercial driveway to protect the  
department against the cost of completing construction or correcting deficiencies. A  
reasonable amount of coverage of the bond shall be determined by the department. A  
bond shall not be required from a governmental agency.  
(2) Acceptable types of bonds may be a certified check or money order payable  
to the department or a surety bond executed on forms obtainable from the department.  
History: 1979 AC.  
PART 3. DRIVEWAY DESIGN STANDARDS  
R 247.231 Driveway locations.  
Rule 31. (1) A driveway shall be so located that no undue interference with the  
free movement of highway traffic will result. A driveway shall be so located also to  
provide the most favorable vision and grade conditions possible for motorists using  
the highway and the driveway consistent with development of the site considering  
proper traffic operations and safety.  
(2) A driveway, including the radii but not including the right-turn lanes and  
tapers, shall be located entirely within the area between the permittee's property lines  
extended to the centerline of the highway. A driveway radius may extend outside of  
that area only if the adjacent property owner certifies in writing that he will permit  
such extension.  
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(3) If the driveway is to be located adjacent to a highway intersection, the  
following shall apply:  
(a) If the intersecting highway is curbed, the point of curvature of the driveway  
radius shall be at least 20 feet from the point of curvature of the intersecting highway  
radius.  
(b) If the intersecting highway is uncurbed, the point of curvature of the driveway  
radius shall be at least 50 feet from the edge of pavement of the intersecting highway.  
(c) When an existing highway or driveway is reconstructed or the  
requirements in subdivisions (a) or (b) cannot be applied, the driveway radius shall  
not encroach upon the intersection radius unless such encroachment is physically  
unavoidable.  
(4) A driveway shall not be constructed along the acceleration or deceleration  
lanes and tapers connecting to interchange ramp terminals, unless no other reasonable  
access point is available.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.232 Clear vision and buffer areas.  
Rule 32. (1) At an intersection or railroad crossing where the department  
owns limited access right-of-way to provide a clear vision area, a driveway shall not  
enter or cross that clear vision area. At an intersection or railroad crossing where the  
department has an easement for a clear vision area, a driveway shall not enter or cross  
that clear vision area if another reasonable access point is available.  
(2) Adjacent to and on both sides of a driveway, a buffer area between the right-  
of-way line and the pavement edge shall be used, as determined by the department, to  
provide a physical barrier between highway traffic and activity on private property. A  
buffer area is needed to provide an unobscured vision area and to prevent  
potentially hazardous movement of vehicles, especially at undesirable angles of  
approach, from and to the highway. The buffer area shall consist of a lawn area, a low  
shrub area, a  
ditch, or equivalent. Where encroachment of vehicle parking on the buffer area  
takes place or may take place, the department may require the buffer area to be  
established by guardrail, guard posts, curb, or equivalent.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.233 Design features.  
Rule 33. The design features described in this rule and illustrated in figure 1 shall  
be used by the applicant in dimensioning a proposed driveway or driveway system  
on plans accompanying the driveway permit application. The dimensions to be  
used for various driveway design features, shown as a standard with a working  
range of dimensions, are given in tables 1 to 7, R 247.237 to R 247.249. These  
standard  
dimensions shall be used unless conditions warrant a deviation.  
The  
department may specify particular dimensions so a particular driveway system  
will accommodate vehicle movements normally expected without creating undue  
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congestion or hazard on the highway or to provide reasonable access. The letters in the  
following design features refer to features in figure 1:  
(a) Intersecting angle, A, the clockwise angle from a highway centerline to a  
driveway reference line which is the centerline or the edge of the driveway.  
(b) Driveway width, B, the distance between driveway edges of pavement or edges  
of the gravel surface measured at the point where the edges of the driveway become  
parallel, point b in figure 1. If the right-of-way line is so close to the pavement that  
point b falls on the applicant's property, then the width of the driveway at the right-  
of-way line shall be based on the projected driveway width.  
(c) Entering radius, C, the radius of a driveway edge curve on the right side of a  
vehicle entering the applicant's property.  
(d) Exiting radius, D, the radius of a driveway edge curve on the right side of a  
vehicle leaving the applicant's property.  
(e) Curb ending, E, the length of the height transition of the driveway curb from  
ground level to full curb height along an uncurbed highway. This curb transition may  
be 10 feet minimum.  
(f) Right-turn lane length, F, the length of an auxiliary lane constructed  
preceding the driveway to accommodate right-turn traffic entering the applicant's  
property.  
(g) Right-turn lane width, G, the width edge-to-edge of a right-turn lane, or the  
width edge-to-edge at the full width of entering and exiting tapers.  
(h) Entering taper, H, the length of a pavement widening, preceding the driveway  
for a right-turn lane or taper.  
(i) Exiting taper, J, the length of a pavement narrowing, following the driveway.  
(j) Entrance drive width, K, the width of the portion of a divided or a directional  
driveway that is used by a vehicle entering the applicant's property.  
(k) Exit drive width, L, the width of the portion of a divided or a directional  
driveway that is used by a vehicle leaving the applicant's property.  
(l) Island width, M, the edge-to-edge distance between an entrance drive and an  
exit drive.  
(m) Island length, N, the distance between ends of the island, measured parallel to  
the entrance drive.  
(n) Nose offset, P, the distance between the edge of pavement and the traffic  
island of a divided or directional driveway.  
(o) Curb cut, R, the length of the opening along a highway curb for a straight-  
sided residential driveway.  
(p) Distance between driveways, S, the inside distance between 2 adjacent  
driveways measured along a highway right-of-way line.  
Figure for 247.233  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.234 Commercial driveways; permits.  
Rule 34. A permit application for a commercial driveway shall specify the  
driveway system requested, including the number and type: 2-way, 1-way, divided,  
dual service or directional. The department may approve the requested system or  
may require changes in it to insure safe conditions and necessary spacing between  
driveways, based on anticipated traffic volumes on the driveways and on the highway,  
type of traffic to use the driveways, type of roadside development and other  
operational considerations.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.235 Commercial driveways; consolidation.  
Rule 35. Adjacent property owners may consolidate their commercial  
driveways by using either a frontage road or a joint driveway  
system.  
If the  
department approves such a system, a driveway permit shall be issued to all property  
owners concerned and shall state that there is an agreement that all properties  
shall have access to the highway via the frontage road and the joint driveway system.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.236 Commercial driveways; alteration of dimensions.  
Rule 36. If the highway carries 1-way traffic, the dimensions given in R 247.241  
and R 247.242 may be altered so that the prohibited movements are discouraged. If the  
driveway system is on the left-hand side of a 1-way highway, the dimensions used  
shall be based on the same principles as used on right-hand side driveways.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.237 Commercial driveways; right-turn lanes.  
Rule 37. The applicant shall provide right-turn lanes or tapers as part of a  
commercial driveway system if the department determines that such right-turn  
lanes or tapers are required to minimize congestion or hazard on the highway caused by  
vehicles entering the applicant's driveways. A right-turn lane shall be preceded  
by a taper. The design feature dimensions of a right-turn lane and taper shall  
conform to those given in table 1.  
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Figure for 247.237  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.241 Two-way commercial driveways.  
Rule 41. The design feature dimensions of a 2-way commercial driveway shall  
conform to those given in table 2.  
Figure for 247.241  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.242 One-way commercial driveways.  
Rule 42. The design feature dimensions of a 1-way commercial driveway shall  
conform to those given in table 3.  
Figure for 247.242  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.243 Divided commercial driveways.  
Rule 43. A divided commercial driveway shall have a curbed island separating  
the entrance drive and the exit drive. The radii forming the edges on this island shall  
be designed to accommodate the largest vehicle that will normally use the driveway.  
The minimum area of the island shall be 50 square feet. The design feature dimensions  
of a divided commercial driveway shall conform to those given in table 4.  
Figure for 247.243  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.244 Dual service driveways.  
Rule 44. To facilitate vehicle movements between a highway and private  
property when the major vehicle movement at a commercial establishment  
is  
approximately parallel to the highway, such as at a service station or drive-in bank,  
the department may permit dual service driveways. The design feature dimensions  
of dual service driveways shall conform to those given in table 5.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.245 Directional commercial driveways.  
Rule 45. A directional commercial driveway is a special case and the driveway  
shall be designed individually to facilitate the desired turning movements and to  
discourage prohibited movements. Radii shall be as approved by the department,  
based on the driveway intersecting angle and on the turning path of the largest vehicle  
that will normally use the driveway.  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.247 Residential driveways; number and separation.  
Rule 47. The number of residential driveways permitted shall be determined  
as follows:  
(a) One residential driveway shall be permitted for each platted lot or for  
unplatted residential property with less than 100 feet of frontage.  
(b) One additional residential driveway may be permitted for residential property  
for each 70 feet of frontage in excess of the first 100 feet of frontage.  
(c) Two residential driveways may be permitted on the same property, in lieu of  
the requirements of paragraph (b), to serve a circle driveway if the frontage of the  
property is 80 feet or more.  
(d) Residential driveways on the same property shall be at least 45 feet apart,  
center-to-center.  
Figure for 247.247  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.248 Residential driveway dimensions.  
Rule 48. The design feature dimensions of a residential driveway shall conform to  
those given in table 6.  
Figure for 247.248  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.249 Field entrances and utility structure driveways.  
Rule 49. (1) One field entrance may be permitted for each 1,000 feet of frontage  
of cultivated land, timberland or undeveloped land. Additional driveways may be  
permitted when a single driveway will not provide adequate access due to  
topographic conditions.  
(2) The design feature dimensions of a field entrance and of a utility structure  
driveway shall conform to those given in table 7.  
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Figure for 247.249  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.251 Surfacing and curbing along curbed highways.  
Rule 51. If a highway is curbed, the following driveway surfacing and curbing  
requirements apply:  
(a) A commercial driveway shall be paved and curbed to either the right-of-  
way line or to the point of curvature between the driveway edge and the larger radius,  
point b in figure 1, as determined by the department.  
(b) A residential driveway shall be paved between the edge of the pavement  
and the existing or proposed sidewalk. If there is no existing or proposed sidewalk, the  
surfacing shall extend at least 10 feet from the edge of the pavement. For a residential  
driveway, either curb cuts or curb returns shall be required as determined by the  
department, based on the current department standards for curb and gutter.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.252 Surfacing and curbing along uncurbed highways.  
Rule 52. If a highway is uncurbed, the following driveway surfacing and curbing  
requirements apply:  
(a) A commercial driveway shall be paved and curbed to either the right-of-  
way line or to the point of curvature between the driveway edge and the larger radius,  
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point b in figure 1, except a commercial driveway may be uncurbed where there is a  
proper ditch and other adequate roadside control or delineation, as determined by the  
department. The curb ending adjacent to the highway shall be located at least 13.5  
feet from and parallel to the edge of the pavement.  
(b) A low volume commercial driveway along a low volume highway shall be  
paved, but the paving may be delayed as mutually agreed upon by the applicant  
and the department.  
(c) A residential driveway may be paved or surfaced with stabilized gravel and  
may be curbed or uncurbed.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.253 Surfacing and curbing of field entrances and utility  
structure driveways.  
Rule 53. A field entrance or a utility structure driveway may be surfaced with  
stabilized gravel or with sod over a stable base and may be uncurbed, as determined by  
the department.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.254 Surface materials and thickness.  
Rule 54. The surface of a paved driveway, excluding right-turn lanes, shall be  
concrete, bituminous or equivalent surfacing material. The thickness of the surface  
and the base to be used shall be sufficient to provide the bearing capacity needed to  
carry the proposed traffic loads. A 2 1/2-inch, 250 pounds per square yard, bituminous  
mix on 8 inches of compacted gravel, 8 inches of unreinforced concrete or  
equivalent surfacing material which meets current department standard specifications  
for highway construction is acceptable for normal driveway traffic loads over stable  
soil.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.255 Right-turn lanes and tapers.  
Rule 55. (1) The pavement of a right-turn lane and accompanying tapers shall  
match the highway pavement, unless the department permits the use of an equivalent  
pavement.  
(2) The cross slope of a right-turn lane and tapers shall be:  
(a) A continuation of the cross slope of the highway if the highway is curbed.  
(b) Equal to the shoulder slope if the highway is uncurbed.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.256 Shoulders.  
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Rule 56. (1) The surface of the shoulder adjacent to a right-turn lane and tapers  
shall be of the same material as the highway shoulder and conform to the current  
department standard specifications for highway construction.  
(2) If the distance between 2 paved commercial driveways serving the same  
property is less than 100 feet, measured between adjacent ends of the curb endings, the  
applicant shall pave the shoulder between the driveways.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.259 Driveway curb details.  
Rule 59. (1) The driveway curb shall either match the existing highway curb or  
shall conform to the current department standards for curb and gutter.  
(2) The driveway curb height shall be constant if there is no existing or proposed  
sidewalk or if an inclined sidewalk is permitted by the department.  
(3) The driveway curb height may be tapered to zero height at the sidewalk if  
the driveway grade meets the grade of an existing or proposed sidewalk.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.261 Drainage.  
Rule 61. (1) A driveway shall be constructed so that it does not adversely  
affect the highway drainage. The drainage and the stability of the highway subgrade  
shall not be altered by driveway construction or roadside development.  
(2) Drainage from adjacent parking or storage areas on private property in excess of  
existing drainage shall not be discharged into the highway drainage system.  
(3) Culvert pipe shall be of a size adequate to carry the anticipated natural flow  
of the ditch. The culvert shall be no smaller than the nearest upstream culvert nor  
less than 12 inches inside diameter. A culvert, catch basin, drainage channel and  
other drainage structure required within the highway right-of-way shall be  
manufactured  
or constructed and installed in accordance with the current  
department standard specifications for highway construction. The minimum length of  
the culvert may be determined as the sum of the distance between driveway edges,  
measured along the ditch line, plus the distances needed to accommodate an  
embankment slope not to exceed 1 foot vertical for 6 feet horizontal on both sides of  
the driveway.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.263 Profile.  
Rule 63. A driveway profile shall be determined using the following criteria:  
(a) If the highway is uncurbed, the grade of the driveway between the highway  
edge of pavement and the edge of the shoulder shall conform to the slope of the  
shoulder.  
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(b) If the highway is uncurbed or if the sidewalk is more than 10 feet from the  
edge of the pavement or if there is no sidewalk:  
(i) The grade of a 2-way, 1-way or divided commercial driveway shall not exceed  
1.5% for a minimum distance of 25 feet from the edge of the pavement. Beyond  
this distance, the grade shall not exceed 8%.  
(ii) The grade of a residential or utility structure driveway or field entrance shall  
not exceed 10%.  
(c) If the highway is curbed and if the sidewalk is 10 feet or less from the edge of  
the pavement, the grade of a driveway, except a directional driveway, shall be the  
grade required to meet the sidewalk elevation; but if that grade would exceed the  
maximums specified in subdivision (b), the sidewalk shall be either tilted or inclined.  
(d) The grade of a directional driveway shall be designed so to provide vision of  
the highway edge of pavement and the driveway surface for a distance of 100 feet  
along the driveway. For a driveway on an upgrade towards the highway, a grade of  
1.5% for a distance of 100 feet from the edge of the pavement is acceptable. Beyond  
this distance, the grade shall not exceed 4% and the difference in grades where there  
is a change of grade shall not exceed 3%.  
(e) Vertical curves, with a minimum length of 15 feet, shall be provided at a change  
of grade of 4% or more.  
(f) If the sidewalk elevation has to be adjusted to meet the driveway, the  
department may require that the sidewalk be inclined at a rate not to exceed 1 foot  
vertical for every 24 feet horizontal.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.265 Parking and storage.  
Rule 65. Adequate storage for vehicles parking or waiting to be serviced shall be  
provided so as not to interfere with pedestrian movements, vision requirements, or  
traffic operations on the highway.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.267 Traffic signs and markings.  
Rule 67. A permittee shall provide and properly maintain traffic signs and  
pavement markings which the department determines necessary, subject to local  
ordinances, for proper operation of the driveway. Only those traffic signs and  
pavement markings approved by the department may be used within the highway right-  
of-way. Signs and pavement markings shall conform to the current Michigan manual of  
uniform traffic control devices.  
History: 1979 AC.  
PART 4. BANNER PERMITS  
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R 247.271 Permittees.  
Rule 71. A permit for the installation of banners to be placed within or over a  
highway right-of-way may be issued by the department only to the governing body of  
a city, village, or township.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.272 Application forms and contents.  
Rule 72. (1) An application for a permit for the installation of a banner shall be  
in the manner prescribed on forms supplied by the department.  
(2) An application shall include the following information:  
(a) Activity in connection with which the banners are to be placed.  
(b) Location of the proposed installation, including distance to overhead traffic  
control devices.  
(c) Description of the banners, including any legend or symbol thereon.  
(d) Height of an overhead banner at its lowest point above the pavement.  
(e) Dates on which the banner will be installed and removed. This period shall not  
exceed a time period specified by the department. An acceptable period of time for  
banners, other than Christmas decorations, to be in place is 3 weeks, and an  
acceptable duration for Christmas decorations to be in place is 6 weeks.  
(f) Such other information as the department may require.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.273 Local government resolutions.  
Rule 73. An application shall be accompanied by a copy of a resolution from the  
local governing body designating an authorized official of the city, village, or  
township who has authority to make the application, unless a blanket resolution,  
which has the same effect and authorizes the same conditions as an individual  
resolution but covers issuance of permits for a specified period of time, is on file  
with the department. Appropriate forms for local governmental resolutions and  
blanket resolutions may be supplied by the department.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.275 Design and placement.  
Rule 75. (1) The design, method of installation, and location of banners shall not  
endanger persons using the highway or unduly interfere with the free movement of  
traffic.  
(2) An overhead banner shall have a minimum bottom height of 18 feet above  
the pavement, shall not be placed closer than 10 feet on either side of traffic signals, and  
shall not be placed so as to obstruct a clear view of traffic signals or other traffic control  
devices.  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.276 Contents of banners.  
Rule 76. (1) A banner shall not have displayed thereon any legend or symbol  
which may be construed to advertise, promote the sale of, or publicize any  
merchandise or commodity, or to be political in nature.  
(2) A banner shall not have displayed thereon any legend or symbol which is or  
purports to be an imitation of or resembles, or which may be mistaken for, a  
traffic control device, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic.  
(3) Decorations shall not include flashing lights that may be distracting to  
motorists.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.278 Duties of local governments.  
Rule 78. A city, village, or township receiving a permit shall faithfully fulfill  
permit requirements and shall indemnify and save harmless the department from  
claims of every kind arising out of the use of an issued permit.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.279 Cancellation of permits.  
Rule 79. A permit for the installation of a banner may be cancelled by the  
department if the installation becomes dangerous to motorists or unduly interferes  
with the free movement of traffic.  
History: 1979 AC.  
PART 5. PARADE, CELEBRATION, OR FESTIVAL HIGHWAY CLOSURE  
PERMITS  
R 247.281 Permittees.  
Rule 81. A permit granting permission for the temporary closure of a highway  
for a reasonable length of time for a parade, celebration, or festival may be issued by  
the department only to the governing body of a city, village, or township.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.282 Application forms.  
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Rule 82. An application for a permit to close or partially close a highway for a  
parade, celebration, or festival shall be in the manner prescribed on forms supplied  
by the department.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.283 Application contents and resolutions.  
Rule 83. An application shall state the nature of the activity for which the permit is  
requested, the dates and times it is proposed to close and reopen the highway to  
traffic, and such other information as the department may require. The reasonable  
period of time shall be approved by the department. An application shall be  
accompanied by a copy of a resolution from the city, village, or township requesting  
permission for the closure or partial closure.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.284 Permit conditions.  
Rule 84. A permit shall be issued subject to the following conditions:  
(a) The closure or partial closure and the use of a detour route shall not unduly  
interfere with the safe and free movement of traffic.  
(b) A suitable alternate location is not available for the parade, celebration, or  
festival which is more acceptable for traffic safety and causes less interruption of  
traffic.  
(c) A closure or partial closure normally shall be allowed during daylight  
hours only. When temporary nighttime closure is permitted points of potential hazard,  
barricades and warning traffic signs shall be lighted at the permittee's expense. The  
lighting shall be in accordance with requirements and specifications of the  
department.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 247.285 Traffic control devices.  
Rule 85. (1) Traffic control devices installed in conjunction with the closure or  
partial closure and the detour route shall conform to the provisions of the current  
department manual of uniform traffic control devices.  
(2) Required traffic control devices may be furnished and installed either by the  
local governing body or by the department. Costs arising from the installation,  
maintenance, and removal of such devices shall be borne by the permittee.  
(3) The local governing body shall provide necessary police supervision, establish  
and post necessary detour signs, and assume liability for damage claims which may  
arise as a result of the closure or partial closure.  
(4) The closure or partial closure shall not be for the purpose of allowing  
private commercial activities, such as advertising or sale of goods, wares, or produce.  
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History: 1979 AC.  
PART 9. HEARINGS AND APPEALS  
R 247.351 Effective date of driveway permit revocation.  
Rule151. In the absence of a hearing request, a driveway permit revocation is  
effective 30 days after mailing or delivery of a notice of intent to revoke the permit,  
whichever occurs first. If, as the result of a hearing, the decision of the hearing  
officer affirms the department's revocation of a driveway permit, then the revocation  
shall be effective on the date specified in the order issued by the hearing officer.  
History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 247.352 Rescinded.  
History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 247.353 Rescinded.  
History: 1998-2000 AACS.  
R 247.354 Rescinded.  
History: 1998-2000 AACS.  
R 247.355 Rescinded.  
History: 1998-2000 AACS.  
R 247.356 Rescinded.  
History: 1998-2000 AACS.  
R 247.357 Rehearing and appeals.  
Rule 157. (1) The department may order a rehearing in a contested case on its own  
motion or on request of a party. The decision to order a rehearing is discretionary with  
the department.  
(2) A person shall file a request for rehearing within the time fixed by section 87  
of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as amended, being 24.287 of the Michigan  
Compiled Laws. The department shall give notice of the rehearing and shall conduct  
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the rehearing in accordance with section 87 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969,  
as amended, being 24.287 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.  
(3) A person may appeal a final decision or order of the department to the circuit  
court in the manner and within the time periods provided by chapter 6 of Act No. 306 of  
the Public Acts of 1969, as amended, being 24.301 to 24.306 of the Michigan Compiled  
Laws.  
History: 1998-2000 AACS.  
R 247.358 Delegation of authority.  
Rule 158. Pursuant to section 79 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as  
amended, being 24.279 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the department may designate  
and authorize 1 or more persons to serve as hearing officers and preside in hearings of  
contested cases held under these rules. The department may confer on the hearing  
officers authority to make the final administrative decision from which further review  
shall be sought in circuit court under Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as  
amended, being 24.201 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws.  
History: 1998-2000 AACS.  
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;