National COIR weekly motorcycle related legislation updates
May 11, 2024
ARIZONA
HB2750/SB1680: Motorcycle helmets; minors; citations
Status:
Assembly:
03/05/2024: Senate- Second read.
03/04/2024: Senate – First read. Assigned to Transportation, Technology and Missing Children, and Rules Committees
Senate:
04/24/2024: House- third reading passed as amended. Vote: 47-13. Transmitted to Senate
Bill text: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/512953
================================================================================
CALIFORNIA
AB2392: Vehicles: motorcycle: safety helmet exception. This bill would exempt from this requirement a person who wears a turban or patka as an expression of the person’s religious belief and practice when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
Status:
04/15/24: In Transportation committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Bill text: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB2392
---
AB3102:Vehicles: motorcycle license
Status:
05/01/24: In Committee of Appropriations: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.
Bill text: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB3102
---
SB847: Vehicles: motorcycle: safety helmet exception. This bill would authorize the department, notwithstanding the provisions mentioned above, to adopt a regulation certifying a helmet offered for sale, or sold, that substantially complies with, but does not meet, the requirements imposed by the specified federal standards if the helmet is designed for the purposes of compliance with a driver’s or passenger’s religious beliefs or practices.
Status:
01/25/24: Stricken from filed. Veto sustained.
Bill text: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB847
---
SB915: Local government: autonomous vehicles
Status:
01/10/24: From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 9.
01/09/24: Introduced. Read first time. To Committee on Rules for assignment. To print.
Bill text: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB915
================================================================================
COLORADO
SB79 [law]: Concerning authorization for a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake another motor vehicle in the same lane.
Status:
04/04/2024: Governor signed
Bill text: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024A/bills/2024a_079_01.pdf
================================================================================
DELAWARE
HB106 [law]: This Act codifies the Motorcycle Rider Education Advisory Committee (“Committee”). The Committee must meet at least quarterly to monitor the Motorcycle Rider Education Program and assess the future needs of and recommend improvements to the Program.
Status:
3/20/24: Signed by Governor
---
HB328: An Act to amend Chapter 371, Volume 83 of the laws of Delaware relating to motorcycle safety. Senate Bill No. 288 of the 151st General Assembly (Chapter 371 of Volume 83 of the Laws of Delaware) created a pilot program whereby motorcyclists are permitted to use pulsating headlights as a way to alert other drivers of their presence, without allowing the use of flashing lights that would otherwise be used on emergency vehicles. SB 288 contained a sunset clause providing that the pilot program would expire on January 1, 2025, unless the General Assembly took action to extend or remove the sunset clause. This Act extends the sunset clause until June 30, 2030. The main reason for the extension is that many motorcycle owners have and are continuing to replace their lights with LED technology... up until 2024 the technology of a modulating device was not available for the LED lights only standard lighting had that option. To be able to better see if the pulsating lighting is effective the pilot program should be extended to adequately gauge what the new LED systems effectiveness is.
Status:
3/21/24: Senate -Assigned to Environment, Energy and Transportation Committee
3/21/24: Assembly- Passed By House. Votes: 32-9
3/19/24: Reported out of Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee in House with 1 Favorable, 7 On Its Merits
================================================================================
FLORIDA
SB1580: Autonomous Vehicles; Requiring a licensed human operator to be physically present in a fully autonomous vehicle with a certain gross vehicle weight which is operating for certain purposes on a public road; requiring the manufacturer of an autonomous vehicle with a certain gross vehicle weight which is operating under certain conditions to report certain information to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at specified times, etc.
Status:
1/10/2024: Introduced. Referred to Transportation; Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Bill text: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1580/BillText/Filed/PDF
================================================================================
GEORGIA
HB1369: Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act; enact. A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to provide for definitions; to provide for the safe operation of a motorcycle or bicycle through an inoperative traffic-control signal; to require drivers of motor vehicles to stop at crosswalks with pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flash beacons; to make it unlawful to activate such devices when there is no intent to cross a roadway; to remove provisions regarding height of handlebars for motorcycles; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Status:
02/26/2024: House Second Readers
02/22/2024: House First Readers
02/21/2024: House Hopper
Bill text: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/225065
================================================================================
HAWAII
HB468/SB586: Mufflers; Exhaust System; Motorcycle; Moped; Motor Vehicle; Certificate of Inspection; Motor Vehicle Repair; Penalties
Status:
Senate:
3/25/2024: Senate- Received notice of discharge of all conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457).
3/22/2024: House- Conferee(s) discharged.
Bill text: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/bills/SB586_SD2_.PDF
---
HB2251/SB2350: Motor Vehicles; Noisy Mufflers; Fines; Probable Cause; Inspections. Establishes a separate prohibition on driving motor vehicles having noisy mufflers on public highways in high-density areas. Authorizes police officers to conduct examinations and inspections of motor vehicle mufflers in high-density areas. Establishes separate fines for mopeds having noisy exhaust pipes or mufflers that are driven in high-density areas. Defines "high-density areas".
Status:
Assembly:
1/26/2024: Referred to Transportation, Consumer Protection and Commerce, referral sheet 3
Senate:
5/2/2024: Enrolled to Governor
5/1/2024: House- Passed Final Reading, as amended.
5/1/2024: Senate- Passed Final Reading, as amended. Vote: 24-1
Bill text: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/bills/HB2251_.PDF
---
SB587: Noisy Exhaust Pipes and Mufflers; Fine Increase; Probable Cause; Police Officer
Status:
3/25/2024: Senate- Received notice of discharge of all conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457).
3/22/2024: House- Conferee(s) discharged.
Bill text: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/bills/SB587_SD2_.PDF
---
SB2350: Motor Vehicles; Noisy Mufflers; Fines; Probable Cause; Inspections Establishes a separate prohibition on driving motor vehicles having noisy mufflers on public highways in high-density areas. Authorizes police officers to conduct examinations and inspections of motor vehicle mufflers in high-density areas. Establishes separate fines for mopeds having noisy exhaust pipes or mufflers that are driven in high-density areas. Defines "high-density areas".
Status:
1/19/2024: Introduced and passed First Reading.
Bill text: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/bills/SB2350_.PDF
================================================================================
ILLINOIS
HB5435: Vehicle code- noise monitoring. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a unit of local government, including a home rule unit, may not enact an ordinance providing for a noise monitoring system upon any portion of its roadways (removing language allowing the City of Chicago to enact an ordinance providing for a noise monitoring system upon any portion of the roadway known as Lake Shore Drive). Makes changes to the definition of "noise monitoring system".
Status:
4/19/2024: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
Bill text: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/HB/PDF/10300HB5435lv.pdf
---
HB5620: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Requires the operator of a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped and all passengers to wear a motorcycle helmet. Defines "motorcycle helmet".
Status:
4/5/2024: House Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
4/2/2024: House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Transportation: Vehicles and Safety
Amendment 1: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/HB/PDF/10300HB5620ham001.pdf
Bill text: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/HB/PDF/10300HB5620lv.pdf
================================================================================
KENTUCKY
HB7: An act relating to autonomous vehicles
Status:
03/28/24: Senate -Third reading. Floor amendments (2) (4) and (5) withdrawn. Floor amendments (1) and (3) defeated. Passed , Vote: 20-18. Signed by Speaker of the House. Signed by President of the Senate. Delivered to Governor
Bill text: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/24RS/hb7/orig_bill.pdf
================================================================================
LOUISIANA
HB317: Removes the helmet requirement for certain motorcycle operators
Status:
03/25: Senate- Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Bill text: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1349150
---
HB348: Authorizes drivers of certain two-wheeled vehicles to proceed through a red light under certain circumstances
Status:
04/23: Senate -Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage. Scheduled for final passage 4/29/24
04/22: Senate -Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.
Bill text: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1349910
================================================================================
MARYLAND -law
HB102/SB730 [law]: Motor Vehicles - Motorcycles - Passenger Restrictions. Requiring a rear passenger on a motorcycle to be able to firmly position the passenger's feet on the footrests of the motorcycle, subject to an exception for permanent physical disability.
Status:
5/09/2024: Approved by the Governor -Chapter 637
Bill text: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2024RS/bills/hb/hb0102t.pdf
---
HB639/SB503: Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear Requirement - Exception (In Remembrance of Gary "Pappy" Boward). Establishing an exception to the prohibition against operating or riding on a motorcycle without certain protective headgear for an individual at least 21 years of age who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least 2 years or has completed a certain motorcycle safety course and for the individual's passenger.
Status:
Assembly:
1/26/2024: Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m.
1/25/2024: First Reading Environment and Transportation
Senate:
1/24/2024: First Reading Judicial Proceedings
Bill text: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2024RS/bills/hb/hb0639f.pdf
================================================================================
MASSACHUSETTS
S1525: for legislation to prohibit profiling of motorcyclists and motorcycle-only checkpoints.
Status:
4/25/2024: House concurred
Bill text: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1525/Senate/Bill/Text
---
S2238: legislation to allow in specific situations, motorcyclists use of a breakdown or access lane, or splitting travel lanes
Status:
2/8/2024: Senate -Accompanied a study order, see S2585
Bill text: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2238/Senate/Bill/Text
NOTE:
S2585: Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Transportation to make an investigation and study of a certain current Senate document relative to distinctive plates; motorcycles; railroads
Bill text: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2585/Senate/Order/Text
---
S2279 [update]: for legislation relative to motorcycle permit requirements
Status:
3/7/2024: Senate -Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
Bill text: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2279/Senate/Bill/Text
---
S2299: for legislation relative to motorcycle awareness instruction.
Status:
3/7/2024: Senate -Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
Bill text: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2299/Senate/Bill/Text
================================================================================
MINNESOTA
HF4955/SF2132: Ground lights use on motorcycles authorized to increase visibility at night
Status:
Assembly:
03/14/2024: Introduction and first reading, referred to Transportation Finance and Policy
Senate:
02/27/2023: Introduction and first reading. Referred to Transportation
---
HF5314/SF5348: Liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage amounts raised, and motorcycle insurance required to include uninsured/underinsured coverage.
Status:
Assembly:
04/08/2024: Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
Senate:
04/08/2024: Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection
---
HF5374/SF5174 [update]: Allowing motorcycles to split the lanes under certain circumstances, requiring a public awareness campaign, and appropriation
Status:
Assembly:
04/15/2024: Introduction and first reading, referred to Transportation Finance and Policy
Senate:
03/21/2024: Introduced and first reading. Referred to Transportation
================================================================================
MISSOURI -update
HCR39/SCR20: Expresses support for actions taken to end motorcycle profiling. This concurrent resolution expresses support for public awareness on the issue of motorcycle profiling, encourages collaboration and communication with the motorcycle community and law enforcement to end motorcycle profiling, and urges law enforcement officials to include statements condemning motorcycle profiling in written policies and training manuals.
Status:
Assembly:
5/08/2024: Reported Do Pass. Vote: 7-3
Senate:
1/8/2024: Resolutions Calendar -To be Referred
1/4/2024: Offered
Bill text: https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/pdf-bill/intro/SCR20.pdf
---
HB1887 [update]: Modifies provisions relating to temporary motorcycle instruction permits
Status:
5/01/2024: Executive session held. Voted do Pass
Bill text: https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills241/hlrbillspdf/4305H.01I.pdf
---
HB2032: Allows motorcycles to operate between stopped and slow-moving lanes of traffic
Status:
1/04/2024: Read Second Time
1/03/2024: Read First Time
Bill text: https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills241/hlrbillspdf/3143H.01I.pdf
================================================================================
NEW JERSEY
S584: Requires MVC waiver of motorcycle road test for certain veterans.
Status:
1/9/2024: Introduced and referred to Transportation Committee
Bill text: https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/S1000/584_I1.PDF
---
S1740: Requires motorcycle passengers to be 10 years of age or older.
Status:
1/9/2024: Introduced and referred to Transportation Committee
Bill text: https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/S2000/1740_I1.PDF
---
S1856: Authorizes creation of vertical motorcycle license plates.
Status:
1/9/2024: Introduced and referred to Transportation Committee
Bill text: https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/S2000/1856_I1.PDF
---
S2002: Permits issuance of motorcycle endorsement to certain out-of-State military personnel.
Status:
1/9/2024: Introduced and referred to Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Bill text: https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/S2500/2002_I1.PDF
================================================================================
NEW YORK -update
A36/S3332: Excepts violations pertaining to mufflers and exhaust systems for cars, motorcycle exhaust devices without internal baffles and motorcycle exhaust devices that are intentionally designed to allow for the internal baffling to be fully or partially removed or interchangeable from having a summons not issued or having a summons dismissed if the violation is corrected.
Status:
Assembly: 01/03/2024: referred to Transportation
Senate: 01/03/2024: referred to Transportation
Bill text: https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A00036&term=&Text=Y
----
A1505/S2575: Requires proof of at least six hours of driving experience under a certified instructor prior to issuance of licenses for certain drivers and motorcyclists.
Assembly: 01/03/2024: referred to Transportation
Senate: 01/03/2024: referred to Transportation
Bill text: https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&leg_video=&bn=A1505&term=&Text=Y
---
A9420/S4102: Authorizes the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to impose tolls and fees for congestion pricing for motorcycles in the central business district in the amount of half of the charges for the tolls and fees of other vehicles.
Status:
Assembly:
03/14/2024: Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
Senate:
01/03/2024: Referred to Transportation
Bill text: https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A09420&term=&Text=Y
---
A10120/S9224 [update]: Increases driver safety training course requirements for D, M, and MJ license applicants; directs the commissioner of the department of motor vehicles to study the operation and safety of motorcycles, e-bikes, and scooters.
Status:
Assembly:
05/08/2024: amend and recommit to Transportation. Print number 10120A
Senate:
05/07/2024: amend and recommit to Transportation. Print number 9224A
Bill text: https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A10120&term=&Text=Y
================================================================================
OKLAHOMA
HB3582: Motor vehicles; defining term; allowing for lane filtering under certain conditions; effective date.
Status:
03/14/2024: Motion expired
03/13/2024: Third Reading, Measure failed. Vote: 33-62. Notice served to reconsider vote by Representative Pae
Bill text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2023-24%20COMMITTEE%20SUBS/HCS/HB3582%20CS.PDF
---
HB3979: Motor vehicles; defining term; allowing for lane filtering under certain conditions; effective date.
Status:
02/06/2024: second reading and referred to Rules Committee
Bill text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2023-24%20INT/hB/HB3979%20INT.PDF
================================================================================
PENNSYLVANIA
HB2177/SB1147 : An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inspections of vehicles, further providing for inspection of motorcycles.
Status:
Assembly:
April 17, 2024: Second consideration, recommitted to Appropriations Committee
April 16, 2024: Removed from table
Senate: update- companion bill
April 22, 2024: Referred to Transportation Committee
===========================================================================
RHODE ISLAND -update
HB7471/SB2836: Amends several provisions relative to motorcycles and motor scooter license and educational requirements including deleting the learners permit requirement for motorcycles.
Status:
Assembly:
05/07/2024: Senate- Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs Committee recommends passage in concurrence
Senate:
05/10/2024: Referred to House State Government and Elections. Scheduled for consideration (05/15/2024)
05/09/2024: Senate read and passed
Bill text: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText24/HouseText24/H7471.pdf
================================================================================
SOUTH DAKOTA
HB1095: establish provisions for the operation of automated motor vehicles.
Status:
01/24/2024: Commerce and Energy Committee hearing held- Do Pass, Passed. Vote: 10-3.
Bill text: https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/260005.pdf
================================================================================
TENNESSEE
HB1806/SB1678 [law]: Motor Vehicles, Titling and Registration - As introduced, permits an owner or lessee of a motorcycle to receive a disabled decal to affix to a new specialty earmarked, cultural, or other special purpose plate that is authorized for motorcycles. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 21 and Title 55, Chapter 4.
Status:
03/01/2024: Signed by Governor
Bill text: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/113/Bill/HB1806.pdf
---
HB2383/SB2181: Motor Vehicles - As introduced, authorizes motorcycles to be operated on certain limited access highway and interstate shoulders to proceed to nearest exit when speed of traffic is 25 miles per hour or less. - Amends TCA Title 54; Title 55, Chapter 1 and Title 55, Chapter 8.
Status:
02/28/2024: Placed on s/c cal Transportation Subcommittee for 3/6/2024
Senate:
03/13/2024: Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Transportation and Safety Committee
Bill text: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/113/Bill/HB2383.pdf
================================================================================
UTAH
HB122: Motorcycle equipment amendments. This bill allows a motorcycle and certain other vehicles to have more than four lamps on the front of the vehicle.
Status:
2/12/2024: Second reading
Bill text: https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/hbillint/HB0122.pdf
---
HB311 [law]: Lane Filtering Amendments: This bill clarifies that lane filtering is permitted on an off-ramp.
Status:
3/20/2024: Governor Signed
Bill text: https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/hbillint/HB0311.pdf
================================================================================
WASHINGTON
HB1063/SB5401: Modifying the operation of motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.
Status:
Assembly: Jan 8: By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status – Transportation Committee
Senate: Jan 8: By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status – Transportation Committee
Bill text: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1063.pdf?q=20240124163415
---
HB1487: Improving motorcycle safety by authorizing the use of the right shoulder of limited access roadways.
Status:
Jan 8: By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status – Transportation Committee
Bill text: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1487.pdf?q=20240124163517
================================================================================
WEST VIRGINIA
HB4456: To remove the helmet law in West Virginia.
Status:
01/10/24: Introduced and referred to House Banking and Insurance Committee
Bill text: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2024_SESSIONS/RS/bills/hb4456%20intr.pdf
================================================================================
National Council Of Independent Riders, National COIR
The largest demographic group of motorcyclists are independent riders. The National Council Of Independent Riders (National COIR) was established to inform, network, and unite independents nationwide so they are better prepared to advocate for and protect their rights and freedoms as motorcyclists.
Website: www.nationalcoir.org
Register: www.nationalcoir.org/register
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/National-Council-Of-Independent-Riders/100089931207537/
Do you belong to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and your local State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO)? If not, you can find their contact information here – https://nationalcoir.org/mro-contact-list-1
Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is?