Bill Text: NJ S3791 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Exempts certain motorcycle operators from helmet law.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-05-20 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee [S3791 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-S3791-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator BOB ANDRZEJCZAK
District 1 (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland)
SYNOPSIS
Exempts certain motorcycle operators from helmet law.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning traffic safety and amending P.L.1967, c.237.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 6 of P.L.1967, c.237 (C.39:3-76.7) is amended to read as follows:
6. a. A person shall not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is wearing a securely fitted protective helmet of a size proper for that person and of a type approved by the chief administrator. A helmet shall be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof. The chief administrator is authorized and empowered to adopt rules and regulations covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets which meet the specifications as established hereunder. For the purposes of this section, a motorcycle shall not include an autocycle that is completely enclosed or any three-wheeled motor vehicle equipped with a single cab with glazing enclosing the occupant, seats similar to those of a passenger vehicle or truck, seat belts and automotive steering.
The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a person 21 years of age or older who:
(1) has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years;
(2) has completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the chief administrator; or
(3) is the passenger of a person exempt under this subsection.
b. The chief administrator shall not assess motor vehicle points for the failure of a motorcycle operator or rider to wear a protective helmet.
(cf: P.L.2016, c.35, s.4)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
Under current law, all persons are required to wear a protective helmet while operating or riding upon a motorcycle. This bill would exempt from this requirement a person 21 years of age or older who: (1) has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years; (2) has completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission; or (3) is the passenger of a person exempt from the helmet requirement as revised.
