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Commercial Filming

MDOT has jurisdiction over the trunkline routes in Michigan, including permitting the temporary use of state highway right of way (ROW) for the purpose of commercial filming. State highway ROW includes roads designated as Interstate (I), United States (US), Michigan (M) Business Routes (BR), and Business Loops (BL) as indicated on the state transportation map.

To consider the permissibility of a filming location and to coordinate as necessary, contact MDOT as far in advance of beginning the permit application process as possible.

For additional information on filming in Michigan, visit Michigan Film and Digital Media Office.

Contact

Scott Greene, Manager
Utility Coordination and Permits 
517-335-4402

Commercial Filming Principle Concerns

For the purposes of this activity, MDOT is responsible for ensuring the following concerns are adequately addressed: 

  • Safety for the traveling public.
  • Safety for the permit holders and all activity participants.
  • Free flowing traffic operations.
  • Limited route detours.
  • Protection of the roadway, all facilities, and appurtenances.
  • Precautions, staging, timing, and signage.

There are certain situations which, with respect to MDOT’s interests, shall require a permit for the use of state trunkline and other situations which, by their scope, only require consideration of the Michigan Vehicle Code rather than the permit process. The evaluation of a particular request to use state highway ROW shall be predicated upon the type of operation proposed. 

Permit Request Examples

Permits for commercial filming in the ROW may be issued in, but are not limited to, the following situations: 

  • A side-of-road operation that is located entirely off the road and road shoulder.
  • A moving operation that moves in the same direction as the traffic flow.
  • A complete lane(s) closure operation.
  • A complete route closure operation.
  • An MDOT owned facility operation rest area, weigh station, bridge, pump house, etc. 

Unusual Circumstances

Under unusual circumstances, where a potential exists for damage to the state highway facility, a bond (see surety) shall be required to assure restoration of the highway facility as a consequence of the film maker's actions.

Within these parameters, the following requirements shall be necessary: 

  • Contact MDOT’s region/TSC office where the filming operation may take place well in advance of any anticipated operations to determine specific permit requirements and other recommendations which may affect trunkline operations.
  • When a permit is required, the appropriate fee shall be paid and all conditions met prior to its issuance.

Lane and Route Closures 

When required: 

  • Only the local government agency may request a route closure permit from MDOT through MDOT Permit Gateway (MPG) and the Construction Permit System.
  • The filming company is responsible for coordinating with the appropriate local government agency where the route closure is proposed.
  • No permit fee is required for a route closure permit occurring entirely within a local government agency’s jurisdictional boundary.
  • A permit fee of $90 is required whenever the proposed route closure extends outside a local government agency’s jurisdictional boundary.

Surety 

Surety is required whenever the risk of damage to a state highway road or facility is identified. A performance bond is the surety instrument normally required to assure restoration of the highway road or facility. The amount of the performance bond is based on the estimated amount of money required to restore the state highway ROW to a condition acceptable to MDOT.   

Permit Process

In order to obtain an individual permit prior to the time of the proposed activity, the permit application should be submitted to MDOT six (6) weeks prior to the activity and should include the following required documentation, as applicable: 

  • MDOT route designation
  • Starting and ending street names
  • Description of the activity
  • Time and date of the activity
  • Aerial photograph showing the entire filming location
  • Plans
  • Route closure rationale
  • Proposed detour route
  • Traffic control details
  • Proposed safety measures
  • Protection measures for the roadway, MDOT-owned facilities and appurtenances
  • Precautions, staging, timing
  • Special effects
  • Crowd control measures
  • Traffic enforcement measures
  • Primary Contact

Note: MDOT does not provide crowd control or traffic enforcement. These functions are to be coordinated through the applicable local government agency.

For additional information on accessing and obtaining a construction permit, visit MDOT Permit Gateway.

Advance Notice

In addition to receiving a permit, advance notice of activity shall be submitted to MDOT 5 to 21 days prior to the permitted activity in the Construction Permit System through MDOT Permit Gateway. 

Permit Applications

For more information or questions regarding obtaining permits for commercial filming in MDOT ROW, contact the applicable MDOT Transportation Service Center.