Grove's Motorcycle Safety Bill Signed into Law
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the need to better protect the most vulnerable travelers on our roadways, Gov. Tom Corbett signed House Bill 892 into law this week. Authored by Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover), the law, now known as Act 126 of 2013, changes the way motorcycle riders obtain and use learner's permits. The new law limits the number of times a motorcycle rider can reapply for a learner's permit to three times in a five-year period.
"I applaud the governor's sense of urgency in signing these laws in a timely manner. We have been dealing with individuals who continually violate the restrictions of motorcycle permits because they treat permits like actual licenses," Grove said. "Permits are temporary and their purpose is to get riders to obtain full motorcycle driver's licenses. This legislation will enable riders to learn properly while pushing them to actually get their motorcycle licenses."
An amendment to the bill increases funding to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operating fund. The fine for failing to obey traffic control devices will increase by $59, with portions of the additional revenue benefiting the EMS fund.
The legislation is supported by the Alliance of Bikers Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E). Grove worked with statewide law enforcement in crafting this legislation. Those agencies have seen a continuous rise in motorcycle offenses committed by unlicensed riders, and those who only carry permits.
Act 126 tightens the rules on permits in an effort to educate the most at-risk riders, and make Pennsylvania's roads safer for everyone.
The changes in violation fines begin Jan. 1. The changes in permit requirements go into effect in 60 days.
Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Mike Straub
mstraub@pahousegop.com
RepGrove.com / Facebook.com/RepSethGrove