Michigan  |  Traffic Law

I received a citation for a civil infraction under Michigan statute 257.653, Emergency Vehicle Caution Law. There was no accident, no injury to emergency personnel. It was my failure to change lanes upon seeing the emergency vehicle off the side of the road.

Based on the instruction on the form I received from the officer, I understand that I have to respond within 14 days with either admission of responsibility, admission of responsibility, or a denial of responsibility. What are the impacts of admitting responsibility for civil infraction to my criminal record? Is it worth the effort to admit responsibility with the explanation that I am an out-of-state driver, it was my first time driving on Michigan roadways, and I was unaware of the statute?

If I admit responsibility, how do I determine if there is a fine that I have to pay - there is nothing on the form given to me by the police officer that states what that fine would be. What should I do? Thank you.