Every year motorists face new laws and regulations, especially when it comes to motorcyclists. This year, a handful of states have new laws on the books that riders need to know:
ILLINOIS – Amended the definition of motorcycle to include autocycle, defined as a three-wheeled motor vehicle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle it. Operation of an autocycle requires a Class D driver’s license.
INDIANA – Motorized cycles and mopeds must now be registered under one of two classes: over 50cc and 50cc and under. Operators of both types of vehicles must show proof of ownership and wear helmets if they are under 18 years of age. Operators of over-50cc vehicles are required to carry liability insurance and must have a valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement. Riders of 50cc-and-under vehicles must be 15 years of age or older and have a valid Indiana state ID card with a motor driven cycle Class B endorsement, learner’s permit or driver’s license.
MICHIGAN – The state closed a loophole that enabled motorcyclists to buy a temporary riding permit multiple times (for example, each riding season) without taking the safety or skills tests required for full endorsement. Applicants are now limited to two permits within a 10-year period. In a separate action, the state lowered the blood alcohol limit to 0.08 for ATV, snowmobile and watercraft operators from a previous 0.10 BAC.
NEW HAMPSHIRE – Allows non-residents to apply for temporary non-resident OHV registrations for 10 consecutive day periods during May through October.
PENNSYLVANIA – State’s Department of Transportation now can authorize third parties to administer the skills test portion of motor vehicle licensing exams.
UTAH – Increased the tax credit for the original purchase of a new qualifying electric vehicle registered in the state to be either $1,500 or 35 percent of purchase price.
TEXAS – Malorie’s Law, which went into effect Jan. 1, requires motorcycles that are designed for carrying more than one person to be equipped with passenger footrests and handholds. Texas already prohibits passengers on motorcycles that are not designed to carry more than one person.
For updates on 2015 state laws governing street and off-road riding, visit the AMA’s state laws page here: http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/State-Laws.aspx