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Maine bill would require all motorcyclists to wear helmets
The Associated Press
AUGUSTA — A new bill to require all motorcyclists to wear helmets in Maine has been referred to committee.
Current law requires only motorcyclists under 18 years old to wear a helmet when driving or riding as a passenger.
John Ewing / Staff Photographer
Select images available for purchase in the Maine Today Photo Store Lawmakers on Tuesday sent Rep. Paulette Beaudoin's bill to the Transportation Committee. The Biddeford Democrat introduced a similar bill in 2009, but it was rejected.
Current Maine law requires motorcyclists under 18 years old to wear a helmet when driving or riding as a passenger. The law also applies to motorcyclists operating under a learner's permit or within one year of completing a driving test.
Beaudoin's bill requires all operators and passengers of motorcycles to wear protective helmets, restoring a law that was repealed in the late 1970s.
Lawmakers also referred to committee Beaudoin's bill to prohibit the use of a handheld mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle.