Cross-Country Motorcycling? Stay On Top Of Recent Changes In State Laws

If you're planning a two-wheeled trip across the US, or arranging a visit to Sturgis when summer's in full swing, you'll avoid fines and other unpleasant travel experiences by keeping track of relevant states' new motorcycle laws that are implemented prior to your departure date.

Several states' legislators have had motorcycles on their radar lately, passing new laws you should know about now. Other groups are pushing for repeals of existing safety laws. None of new laws are as far-fetched as France's proposal that all riders wear gloves and have mandatory back support, but they can impact your time on the road.

Malorie's Law sets rules for Texas operators carrying passengers.

In 2010, there were 4,518 motorcycle fatalities nationwide. One of those riders was a 19-year-old woman named Malorie Bullock, a passenger who was thrown from a bike. Her parents lobbied Texas politicians to pass the law named after their daughter.

If you have a passenger on your bike in Texas, the new rule states that the bike must be equipped for two passengers, with foot rests and a handhold. The strap that is attached to most new bikes should suffice, but sturdy backrests and other passenger safety measures should keep you completely within the scope of the law.

If you're caught ignoring the law, the infraction qualifies as a Class-B misdemeanor. You face fines as high as $2,000, or sentencing of up to 180 days in jail.

Nathan's Law should make Michigan safer for riders.

This Michigan law, the Nathan Bower Act, was passed in memory of another 19-year-old victim who was killed in a motorcycle crash in 2009.

This law makes it mandatory for the state to instruct all vehicle drivers on awareness of motorcycles, bicycles and wheelchairs. Often, driver education courses skim over safety rules for sharing the road with bikers. To correct this oversight, Nathan's Law will teach drivers about allowing enough space between vehicles and will train them in techniques to increase their awareness of bikes.

It is hoped that all states will soon take the steps to make motorcycle awareness part of their driver education curriculum.

Nebraskans want helmet rule repealed in time for Sturgis.

While some folks are petitioning their state governments for increased safety rules for motorcycles, some cycle aficionados in Nebraska are pleading for a repeal of a basic motorcycle-safety law.

These folks want Nebraska's helmet law repealed. They claim that the state is losing out on revenue from the thousands of Sturgis-bound riders who bypass Nebraska in order to ride bare-headed. With 700,000 riders expected at this year's 75th anniversary gathering, supporters of the repeal movement claim the state will lose millions of dollars in revenue.

Needless to say, safety officials aren't impressed with arguments about money. If you have other questions about motorcycle laws, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for help.

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