New Jersey

S. 1400 and A. 3204 would allow operators of motorcycles, motorized bicycles and bicycles to proceed through a malfunctioning steady red light if the rider comes to a full stop at the intersection, waits for two complete cycles of the opposing traffic signal or for two minutes, whichever is shorter, then treats the traffic control signal as a stop sign. The AMA supports these bills.

Oregon

H.B. 2314 would allow motorcyclists and moped riders to split lanes if traffic is stopped or is traveling 10 mph or slower, the rider travels no more than 10 mph faster than traffic and the rider merges with traffic when traffic speed exceeds 10 mph. The law would apply to highways with speed limits of 50 mph or higher. The AMA supports this bill.

Texas

H.B. 748 would repeal the exceptions to the state’s mandatory helmet law. The law currently exempts riders 21 or older who have completed a motorcycle safety course or who have health insurance coverage. The AMA opposes this bill.

Also, S.B. 273 would allow motorcyclists to split lanes on limited- or controlled-access highways when traffic is moving at 20 mph or slower, if the rider does not travel more than 5 mph faster than surrounding traffic. The AMA supports this bill.

Utah

H. B. 143 changed registration and statewide fees for all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and street-legal ATVs. Under the new law, registration fees for off-road vehicles will not exceed $35, while the fee for a street-legal ATV will not exceed $72. The state’s Motor Vehicle Division requires that $1 of the registration go to the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Rehabilitation Fund. Statewide fees for ATVs and snowmobiles will vary, based on the age of the vehicle.

Virginia

H.B. 1872 would require adult motorcyclists to register as organ donors if they wish to ride without a helmet. The bill also makes failure to wear a helmet a secondary offense, which means law enforcement officers would not be allowed to stop riders simply for being helmetless. The AMA opposes this bill.

Also, H.B. 2446 would allow motorcyclists to ride on the shoulder of limited access highways when traffic is stopped or is traveling 10 mph or less. The motorcyclist must not exceed 15 mph and must take the first available exit. The AMA has no position on this bill at this time.

And H.B. 2193 would add grass clippings to the list of substances a person may not throw or deposit on the roads. Grass clippings create a hazard for motorcyclists. The AMA supports this bill.