Tickets Issued at Virginia Beach Bike Classic
May 4, 2011 by Hersey · 3 Comments
The Virginia Beach Bike Classic was held this weekend at North Beach landing in Virginia Beach , Virginia . It was great to be there and see a lot of friends from Virginia and the Carolinas . However the event was marred by law enforcement. The Virginia State Police in conjunction with the Virginia Beach Police Department set up a few miles from the event and wrote tickets for offenses such as unapproved helmets, illegal exhausts, improperly mounted license plates, etc. It was reported at one point that they were refusing those without a “DOT Approved” helmet to proceed further and forced them to go back to the event a buy a new helmet.
If you or anyone that you know received such a ticket at the Virginia Beach Bike Classic please contact me and I will represent you at no charge. These charges are improper given the law in Virginia . For those in favor of mandatory helmet use this is not an attack on helmets. I respect the right of every motorcyclist to hold an opinion on this matter. However this is not about helmets, it is about ensuring that the police follow the law. If they are going to stop and charge people they should at least be familiar with the statutes under which they are charging them.
Virginia HB1267 – Motorcycle Helmet Use Penalty
January 20, 2010 by Hersey · 2 Comments
HB1267 changes the penalty for not wear or wearing an improper helmet to $25 and no court cost. Contact your representative and ask them to support this bill.
“Any person who violates this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of $25 to be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Literary Fund, and no court costs shall be assessed.”
Take Care – Ride FREE
VA 2010 Motorcycle Related Legislation
January 13, 2010 by Hersey · Comments Off on VA 2010 Motorcycle Related Legislation
Here is a quick list of motorcycle related bills that have been filed for this years Virginia legislative session.
This would allow a rider to proceed through a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop and waiting 120 seconds.
HB752
Traffic lights; allows motorcycle, etc., to proceed through intersections showing steady red signal.
This changes Virginia’s helmet law to include those mini-scooters, pocket bikes, and what not.
HB395
Motorcycles; helmet use. Removes exception that allows operators and passengers riding on motorcycles with wheels of eight inches or less to ride without wearing a helmet.
Not specifically motorcycle related, but this is one that we have tried to change in years past to make it legal for 2 motorcycles to ride side by side.
HB163
Vehicles driving abreast. Provides that the prohibition on vehicles driving abreast does not apply to vehicles lawfully overtaking and passing vehicles traveling in the same direction.
BAD! – Loud Pipes Save Lives!!! HB579
Mufflers on motorcycles. Provides that motorcycles shall use a muffler system in good working order that meets federal standards.
I am sure this one comes from one of the talking points from last couple years two abreast bills with us saying LEOs regularly ride two abreast.
SB321
Motorcycles driving two abreast; law-enforcement officers. Allows law-enforcement officers on official duty to drive motorcycles two abreast in a single lane.
Here is a link to the motorcycle search results… (May or may not work) There are a few others with the mention of motorcycle in them, but the bills are not specifically motorcycle related.
Anyone know of anything else going on or any other bills that we, as motorcycle riders, may be interested in?
08NR25 – MRF News Release – Feds Consider New Helmet Standards
November 6, 2008 by Hersey · Comments Off on 08NR25 – MRF News Release – Feds Consider New Helmet Standards
Recently, it was reported by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) that the US DOT is contemplating some new requirements for motorcycle helmet labels, as well as testing methods and tolerances. The federal government rulemaking process requires that the proposed new rule be made available to the public for a period of time to allow the general public offer comment.
The MRF has submitted comments on the proposed changes to current standards and is encouraging you to do the same. Read the full MRF comments on the internet by visiting www.regualations.gov and search for Docket number NHTSA-2008-0157-0001 or by using this link.
http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=NHTSA-2008-0157
or
http://tinyurl.com/65mtw5
Moped riders adjust to helmet rule
August 20, 2008 by Hersey · Comments Off on Moped riders adjust to helmet rule
BLACKSBURG — Forget the romantic photos of windswept babes with coifed hair motoring around Europe on curvaceous Vespas. Beginning in October, moped riders in Blacksburg have two choices: helmet hair or a $50 fine.
Technically, the new helmet law — which requires helmets and eye protection for riders and drivers of mopeds — went into effect Aug. 12, after Blacksburg Town Council approved it on a unanimous vote. But for the next few weeks, police will focus on education instead of punishment.
Lawmaker gives up on repeal of motorcycle helmet law
June 12, 2008 by Hersey · Comments Off on Lawmaker gives up on repeal of motorcycle helmet law
BATON ROUGE — A Harley-Davidson-riding lawmaker has given up on his effort to let his fellow motorcyclists decide whether they want to wear a helmet.
Head protection will continue to be mandatory in Louisiana after a hostile Senate committee blocked Rep. Mert Smiley’s bill on Wednesday, as the legislative session winds down toward its June 23 end date. A companion bill had earlier stalled on the House floor, and Smiley said he had no chance to get the law repealed this session.
“I fought a gallant fight,” said Smiley, a Port Vincent Republican. But he said he’d try again next year.
Michigan Gov. Granholm gets bill allowing helmet-less motorcyclists
June 5, 2008 by Hersey · 3 Comments
LANSING – For the second time in two years, the Legislature has voted to allow adults to ride motorcycles in Michigan without a helmet.
And for the second time, Gov. Jennifer Granholm likely will veto it.
The House on Wednesday gave final approval, 70-38, to bill that would allow motorcyclists ages 21 and older to pay the state $100 a year for a permit to ride with no helmet. They’d have to pass a motorcycle safety course and have been licensed for two previous years.
Police groups support plan to modernize Michigan’s helmet law
May 30, 2008 by Hersey · Comments Off on Police groups support plan to modernize Michigan’s helmet law
LANSING – The Michigan Association of Police Organizations has supported a plan that will modernize Michigan’s helmet law by allowing motorcyclists to purchase a special permit to ride helmet-free, ABATE-Michigan announced Thursday.
Money from the permit will help pay for crucial services, and strengthen law enforcement and safety efforts, according to House Bill 4749, which has already passed both chambers with overwhelming support.
