Two More Bills Filed that are of Interest to Motorcyclists
January 6, 2014
Two more bills were filed that, while not directly aimed at motorcyclists, are of interest to us. Both Bills were filed by Senator Jeff McWaters who represents parts of Virginia Beach. VCOM will be watching both bills closely.
The first is bill is SB 179. It concerns mopeds which, while not motorcycles, seem to be a topic that is of interest to many motorcyclists. This bill would require operators of mopeds to be 16 years of age or older, and to possess and carry a valid driver’s license. It also classifies mopeds as motor vehicles. Currently, mopeds are not considered motor vehicles for most purposes. The major impact that such a re-classification would have is that an owner would be required to carry motor vehicle liability insurance on their moped unless they paid the yearly $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee. This will be interesting to watch. I will follow up with any additional news on this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.
If you wish to follow the progress of this bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+sum+SB179
If you wish to read the full text of the bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+ful+SB179
The other bill is SB 180. For those of you who are age 75 or older, or those of you who are close, this bill will be of particular interest to you. The bill reduces the age at which a driver must appear before the DMV in order to renew their driver’s license from 80 to 75. It also provides that drivers who are age 75 or older may not renew their license for more than five years.
If you wish to follow the progress of this bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+sum+SB180
If you wish to read the full text of the bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+ful+SB180
As always, if you have any questions or comments about any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. In the meantime, I will continue follow up with any future news on these or other bills of interest to motorcyclists.
Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com
