News Bytes
Folks of both our Confederation of Clubs ( COC ) and ABATE inquired about the bill , and I ’ ve tracked it in the U . S . House of Representatives - it ’ s fresh and has quite a list of co-sponsors , so with other changes happening in the world , with the bipartisan support it seems to have , it may see some forward movement .” That measure , House Resolution 5180 , was introduced on May 10 , 2016 by U . S . Representative Bill Flores ( R-TX ) “ to alleviate the ethanol blend wall under the renewable fuel program ,” and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce . H . R . 5180 currently has 103 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle .
The bill effectively circumvents the Renewable Fuel Standard ( RFS ) mandates for increasing levels of ethanol in our gasoline , capping the level at E-10 , stating “ the Administrator shall not determine any renewable fuel obligation for a calendar year that would result , directly or indirectly , in the introduction into commerce in the United States of a total volume of ethanol contained in transportation fuel that is greater than 9.70 percent of the total volume of gasoline projected to be sold or introduced into commerce in the United States for such calendar year .”
ILLINOIS OKAYS BLUE-DOT TAIL LIGHTS “ Blue Dot ” tail lights , so-called because a blue crystal mounted in the center of the red lens cover emits a violet hue when actuated , have become popular with motorcyclists for both customization and conspicuity , but most states ’ traffic codes specify that a tail light must be red in color , and therefore they are illegal .
Supported by ABATE of Illinois , House Bill 4105 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to “ Provide that motorcycles may be equipped with a blue light or lights of up to one inch in diameter located on the rear of the motorcycle as a part of the motorcycle ’ s rear stop lamp or lamps ,” and was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner on July 22 , 2016 , becoming effective January 1st .
RIDERS AND DRIVERS NOW HAVE OPTION TO “ RIDE ON RED ” IN PENNSYLVANIA Motorcyclists and motorists in Pennsylvania will no longer have to wait at a traffic light that is locked on red , as Governor Tom Wolf signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep . Stephen Bloom ( R-Cumberland ) that allows drivers of all vehicles the option to proceed with caution through an intersection when a traffic signal is unresponsive , only after exercising due care as provided by law .
“ If the vehicle detection system fails to recognize the vehicle and the driver has come to a complete stop , the driver must then make sure it is safe to continue , and only then would they be able to lawfully proceed with caution through the intersection ,” Bloom explained to FOX43 News in Harrisburg , PA .
Originally intended only for motorcycles , which often fail to trigger traffic lights due to their smaller size , Senate Bill 1267 was expanded to apply to all vehicles .
Deemed “ Ride on Red ,” Bloom added that the goal of the legislation is to solve practical problems while ensuring safety . “ This law does not give drivers a free pass , but ensures a safe and legal option to avoid the danger and inconvenience of being trapped in perpetuity at a locked red light ,” Bloom said . “ This issue is more common than many people realize , especially on rural roads or during late hours when long periods often elapse before a heavier vehicle comes along to finally trip the unresponsive light .”
Signed into law on July 20 , 2016 as part of Act 101 , the new law takes effect 60 days after the bill-signing , near the end of September .
QUOTABLE QUOTE : “ In any free society , the conflict between social conformity and individual liberty is permanent , unresolvable , and necessary .” www . thunderroadscolorado . com September 2016 Thunder Roads Magazine ® Colorado 31