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Rest area permits

Schwartz Creek Rest Area

Rest area permits

MDOT receives permit applications from individuals and nonprofit organizations that want to operate within the state highway right of way, including rest areas and roadside parks. MDOT allows these operations only when they do not compromise the integrity of the state highway right‑of‑way system and when they ensure the safest possible environment for the traveling public.

Non-holiday coffee breaks

MDOT permits non-profit organizations to use highway rest areas, roadside park facilities to dispense refreshments under certain circumstances. These events are not associated with the Operation CARE Program.

Application process

Applicants must submit an individual permit through the Construction Permit System (CPS). The permit must include:
  • Proof of nonprofit status.
  • A permit fee must be submitted before issuance.

Restrictions

  • Permits are granted only at rest areas where the Commission for the Blind does not operate vending machines.
  • Permitted dates are Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, excluding the Independence Day weekend. Events may run from Friday at noon through Sunday at midnight.

Operation CARE

MDOT allows nonprofit organizations to use highway rest areas, roadside parks and scenic turnouts to dispense refreshments to motorists under certain circumstances.

Requests sponsored by the Michigan State Police and MDOT are part of the Operation CARE program. MSP screens each permit application first. After MSP review, MDOT may issue a permit.

Operation CARE activities occur during Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day holidays. Applicants may request any rest area or roadside park.

Eligibility requirements

An organization is eligible for a permit to use an MDOT rest area, roadside park or scenic turnout to serve non‑alcoholic refreshments only if it meets all MDOT conditions for public service use of these facilities:

  • A permit may only be issued to an approved nonprofit, charitable or service‑type organization performing public service work, including governmental agencies. Individuals and organizations seeking profit or fundraising are not eligible.
  • The use of the facility must be solely for improving highway travel safety. It cannot be used for fundraising. Donations may be accepted only if they are offered voluntarily and without solicitation, and may support the organization’s public service activities.
  • An organization must show a continued effort of public service to be considered eligible to use MDOT roadside facilities. Compliance with MDOT’s standard conditions is required.

Permit requirements

  • Each permit is limited to the current calendar year.
  • Donations may be collected but must meet the conditions in MDOT’s standard permit requirements.
  • No insurance is required from the applicant on behalf of MDOT. The permit requires the applicant to save harmless MDOT. Organizations may choose to name MDOT as an insured party if they believe it is in their best interest.

Distribution of travel-related information

MDOT Transportation Service Centers may issue permits to nonprofit tourism or economic development organizations that want to distribute tourism‑related information at rest areas and roadside parks. An annual permit is used unless the organization is conducting a one‑time distribution. There is no fee for these permits.

Permits may be denied if the rest area or roadside park is at or near capacity or if operational issues would interfere with this service.

For more details, organizations should review the review Special Conditions for Distribution of Travel Related Information (Form 2458) for additional information.