Maryland Legislature

OFF THE WIRE
This year, here in Maryland, there are 2 Bills that concern motorcycles. One involves Parking Garages that do not allow motorcycles. This bill would force them to allow motorcycles if they accept, or had ever accepted, taxpayers dollars. We, who ride motorcycles, are subsidizing the garages, with our tax dollars, and we can not park in them. The other bill would make the fine for not wearing a DOT approved helmet, what ever that is, or not wearing a helmet the same as a seatbelt violation. The fine for a seatbelt is $25.00, by law. The fine for a helmet violation has been $100.00, and we are hearing it is going to rise to $110.00 with a maximum fine of $500.00. There seems to be support for these bills.

There are also some bills concerning scooters. The bills originally had the same classification code as a motorcycle but that was changed when we brought it to their attention. Currently there are not many, if any, restrictions on scooters. No one is required to wear a helmet, be licensed, registered, or insured. One bill would require minors to wear a helmet while riding a scooter. Another would require everyone to where a helmet and require rentals co. to provide a DOT approved one to anyone renting a scooter. Another would require scooters to be register, tagged and insured. I am watching these bills, even though they do not effect motorcycles, as the helmet requirements is the base of my helmet fight. I am saying they I am discriminated against because a motorcycle is the only form of transportation that requires helmets.

Our ABATE leadership decided not to introduce a helmet adult choice bill this year because they thought that with the current administration even if it could get out of committee, which hasn’t happen for years, our governor would veto it. They were also informed that this would interfered with the fine lowering bill.

I’ll keep you all updated as these bills progress.
Gary Kiser
Maryland