http://www.allaboutbikes.com/motorcyle-news/law-legislation/6724-new-helmet-law-proposed-in-south-carolina New Helmet Law Proposed In South Carolina
by Tim Moore February 23, 2012
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley will veto any mandatory helmet law.
Related ArticlesNews InfoMotorcycle SafetyMotorcycle Helmet LawsSouth Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said she will veto any bill that would require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Senator Ralph Anderson of Greenville, SC introduced a bill including language that, if passed, would require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Governor Haley is a member of the Lexington County Chapter of ABATE of South Carolina. Current Law & Stats in South Carolina South Carolina law currently requires only motorcycle riders who are younger than 21 years of age to wear a helmet. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol 102 fatalities of motorcycle riders occurred in 2011, compared to only 82 in 2010.
In 1967 South Carolina law required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. The current law requiring South Carolina motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear helmets was enacted in 1980.
In 2010 the Supreme Court of South Carolina invalidated a Myrtle Beach city ordinance that required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. The court ruled that a city ordinance could not preempt state law, which required helmets to be worn by only motorcycle riders under 21 years of age.
Mixed Opinions on Mandatory Helmets This new mandatory helmet bill, which was first discussed in legislative sessions on January 10, 2012, has attracted responses from individuals and organizations both in favor of and opposed to the law. "I've heard from parents and friends of people who have been hurt or killed," said Anderson.Governor Haley met with bikers' rights lobbyists the day after the bill was first discussed and promised them she would veto the bill.
South Carolina Senator Larry A. Martins said, "I certainly wouldn't want to ride one without a helmet, but I don't want to impose a law if they don't want it." He added that he did not see reason to spend time on a bill that the governor indicated she would veto.
"If you're 21 and if you're foolish enough not to wear a helmet, in my opinion it's not the government's place to make you," said SC Senator Kevin Bryant.
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