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education act in the Illinois School Code to require that all
behind the wheel instruction include lessons on motorcycle
safety and awareness “to ensure students understand their
surroundings when operating a motor vehicle.”
Rep. Bennett says the concern was raised by constituents in
his central Illinois district. Bennett says he purposely kept the
language in the proposal general to give schools flexibility.
INDIANA SCOOTER RIDERS
FACE NEW REGULATIONS
Indiana officials are warning motor scooter drivers that
starting January 1 they’ll need license plates on those
bikes. Legislators have approved Indiana’s first license
requirements for scooters, and under the new law drivers
of scooters with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or less
will need to buy license plates and pass a Bureau of Motor
Vehicles test involving road signals and signs. Operators
of scooters with larger engines will be required to follow
motorcycle requirements, including holding a valid
motorcycle license or learner’s permit.
Evansville police officials told a legislative committee that
scooters had often been involved in accidents and used in
crimes such as robberies, but that the owners couldn’t be
found because they lacked any registration.
The new law doesn’t require insurance for drivers of the
smaller scooters, and the registration will cost $26.35, plus
a $10 excise tax.
Law sponsor Representative Dave Wolkins (R-Winona
Lake) said not requiring a driver’s license for scooter
operators was important because he felt it was necessary
that those with drunken driving convictions still have a
way to get to work.
Introduced by Reps Karen Fann (R-Prescott) and Chad
Campbell (D-Phoenix), HB-2345 would amend ARS 28-964 to
www.thunderroadscolorado.com
remove the restriction which specifies that a person cannot
operate a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle
equipped with handlebars positioned so the operator’s hands
are above their shoulders when the operator is sitting and their
hands are on the handlebar grips. The bi-partisan measure
would also eliminate the requirement for motorcycles to be
equipped with handrails for passengers.
In addition, Arizona bikers are fighting a similar “pay-toplay” bill as in New Mexico, as House Bill 2607 seeks to
require use of a helmet for all motorcyclists unless the
rider pays a fee for exemption (amount to be determined),
or face a $500 fine for non-compliance.
U.S. MOTORCYCLE