LANSING, MI - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday signed a law requiring Michigan drivers to slow down and move over for emergency, maintenance and utility vehicles on the roads.

An existing law already required drivers to move one lane over for stationary emergency vehicles, and proceed by utility, maintenance and emergency vehicles with caution. However, the law did not specifically address speed reduction or what to do on divided highways.

Under the new law, which takes effect in 90 days, drivers are required to reduce their speed by 10 miles per hour to 10 miles per hour below the speed limit when passing emergency, utility, garbage and other vehicles stopped on the road with flashing lights activated.

Drivers must also move over a lane to give the emergency or utility vehicle more room, unless another lane is not available, or traffic makes it impossible.

Violating the new law would be a civil infraction and come with a $400 fine, plus two points on a driver's license.

"This legislation will better protect those responding to emergencies as well as workers on busy roadways," Snyder said. "My hope by signing this bill is that more Michiganders will slow down and give a lane."

The new law also specifies on divided highways when the emergency or utility vehicle is stopped on the other side of the divided highway, drivers are not required to take any action.

The bill, Senate Bill 477, was sponsored by Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida. It is supported by the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan State Police and other groups, including utility companies. During the committee process, the National Motorists Association testified against the bill.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the new law applies when passing stationary emergency, utility and other vehicles, and to clarify the required speed reduction.