Michigan driving guide

Whether you’re planning a road trip along the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan shorelines or visiting Ann Arbor’s bustling college campus, Michigan has plenty to offer. Get to know the driving rules in Michigan with our comprehensive guide to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Michigan and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• If you see other vehicles or pedestrians, always yield to those already on the intersection. In fact, you should always give right of way to pedestrians.
• When it comes to four-way stops, you must yield to those who arrived there first. If unsure, give way to those on the right.
• Drivers are required to use headlights between the hours of sunset and sunrise and when visibility is restricted to less than 500 feet. If your wipers are on to deal with certain weather conditions, such as rain or snow, then your lights should also be on.
• While there is no specific law regarding making calls on your cell phone while driving in Michigan, there are rules about using a handheld mobile device. Drivers are prohibited from reading or writing texts or emails on their cell phone. Though hands-free devices can be used to make calls.

Speed limits in Michigan

The speed limit in Michigan heavily depends on the vehicle and the road type.

Toll roads in Michigan

There are currently no toll roads in Michigan, but there are five toll bridges and one toll tunnel. Each toll grants access to major bridges or to the border into Canada.

Mackinac Bridge

The longest suspension bridge in the west, this bridge connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The speed limit on the bridge is 45mph and it is open 24/7.

From: St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula

To: Mackinac City on the Lower Peninsula

Cost for car: $4.00

Cost for truck: $5.00

How to pay: You can pay using cash or by getting a pre-paid MacPass

Ambassador Bridge

An easy way to cross the Detroit River, this bridge can take you to Detroit, MI or to Windsor, Ontario. You can pay in CAD or USD.

From: Interstate 75, Detroit

To: Canadian Highway 3, Windsor

Cost for car: $5.00 when traveling to Canada, or $6.25 CAD when travelling to the US.

Cost for truck: Around $10.00 when travelling into Canada and around $12.50 CAD when driving to the US.  

How to pay: You can pay by cash or via the Nexpress Transponder. You can also become an Ambassador Bridge Premier member to get up to 50% off.

Detroit-Windsor Tunnel

An impressive feat of engineering, this is the only underwater border for vehicles in the world. However, motorcycles and large trucks cannot use this tunnel.

From: Interstate 75

To: Ontario’s Highway 401

Cost for car: $6.50

Cost for truck (up to four axles): $16.00

How to pay: You can pay via debit or credit card, with the Nexpress Card or on the Detroit-Windsor app.

Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge

This bridge crosses the St. Marys River, which flows between the US and Canada. It has a 30mph limit and is open 24/7.

From: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

To: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Cost for car: $4.00 USD or $5.00 CAD

Cost for truck: Vehicles with more than two axles pay $2.00 extra per axle.

How to pay: You can pay in USD or CAD, in cash or by cheque.

Grosse Ile Toll Bridge

This bridge is a small swing bridge crossing the Detroit River and linking Riverview to Grosse Ile Township.

From: Riverview

To: Gross Ile Township

Cost for car: $4.00-$7.00, depending on payment method.

Cost for truck: Up to $32.00, based on number of axles.

How to pay: You can pay with cash, card or with the Bridge Pass.

Blue Water Bridge

Crossing the St. Claire River, this bridge provides a vital passage between Sarnia in Ontario and Port Huron in Michigan.

From: Port Huron, Michigan (I-69 and I-94)

To: Sarnia, Ontario (Highway 402)

Cost for car:

• From the US to Canada - $3.00
• From Canada to the US - $4.00

Cost for truck:

• From the US to Canada - $3.25 per axle
• From Canada to the US - $4.00 per axle

How to pay: You can pay by cash, credit or debit card, or with an electronic transponder.

Driving ages and license requirements in Michigan

• The legal driving age in Michigan is 15 with a Graduated Driver License.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Michigan with Hertz is 23.
• To rent a truck or pick-up, you must be over 25 with the relevant license.

If you’re under the age of 25 and wish to rent a car with Hertz, then check out our young drivers’ guide to see how we can help.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Michigan

In your vehicle, you must have:

• Spare bulbs
• A first aid kit
• Warm blankets
• Water
• Snacks/food
• A tire iron and jack
• A flashlight/spare batteries
• A jerrycan
• A change of clothes including spare diapers, wipes and clothing for babies and toddlers.

For a list of items not allowed in your rental car, please check your car rental agreement.

Michigan speed violations, infractions and penalties

If caught exceeding the speed limit in Michigan, you could face a speeding fine and points on your license.

• 1-5mph over: 0 points and a $10 fine
• 6-10mph over: 1 point and a $20 fine
• 11-15mph over: 2 points and a $30 fine
• 16-25mph over: 3 points and a $40 fine
• 26mph or more over: 4 points and a $50 fine.

Driving with children in Michigan

Car seat requirements in Michigan state the following:

• From birth to three years of age – the child should be in an appropriate rear-facing car seat.
• From one to seven years old – they can be in a convertible seat which can be switched from rear facing to forward facing when needed.
• From four to 12 years old – a child seat or booster seat can be used.
• From eight to 13 years old – an adult seat belt is sufficient.

Gas prices in Michigan  

The average gas price in Michigan is $3.87 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Chevrolet Spark, that’s about $0.10 per mile.
• For an SUV like a Ford Expedition, it’s around $0.20 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated November 17, 2022.  

Electric car charging in Michigan

In Michigan, there are over 2,500 electric vehicle charging sites, including around 2,300 for public use. While this is a 39% increase from 2021, the state plans to build the ideal infrastructure to help electric car drivers make longer journeys.

Charging points in Michigan usually accept payment by debit or credit card.

Driving between Michigan and other states

With Hertz, you can extend your Michigan road trip and drive between states. You can even cross the border into Canada – just let us know your requirements when booking with us.

 From Michigan, you can head into Ohio, Indiana or Wisconsin and drop your vehicle off with ease – all thanks to our one-way rental service.

Driving conditions in Michigan

Michigan has two very distinct climates. The north of the Lower Peninsula and the whole of the Upper Peninsula have warm, short summers with long cold winters. In the southern part of the Lower Peninsula, you can expect hotter summers and milder, but still cold, winters.

The whole state sees multiple thunderstorms each year, especially in the south, and averages around 20 tornadoes a year. Temperatures can range from 90°F in summer to 25°F in winter. So, when you embark on your Michigan road trip, make sure you’re prepared for the weather.