Texan motorcyclists

[Santa Hal]

Restrictions on motorcycle passengers. -- Texas.

House Bill 3838, also called Malorie's Law, "prohibit(s) the carrying of or riding by a passenger on any motorcycle that is not equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the passenger." According to some sources, many Texan motorcyclists were not aware of this at all!

[Angelo]

The footrests I understand, the handholds not so much.

[djh3]

The RSV is the first bikw I have owned that has had any kind of hand holds.

[cowpuc]

Kinda surprised at that one... I always thought those Texas law makers got their ideas for motorcycling legislation directly from riding a horse - playing off the stuff I heard about why ya cant license a Slingshot in Texas (cause you dont straddle the saddle).. I aint never did seen no Cowboy giving someone a ride on a horse complete with two up saddle with an xtra saddle horn and an two sets of steerups... Sounds like they got some fironeers running thangs down yonder!!!

 

Actually,, I am with Ang on the pegs (if ya have ever had to ride any distance on the back of bike with no place to put your feet -- takes some special balancing I tell ya).. The hand holds I aint so sure about either!!

Remember the days of the passenger strap across the seat on the early bikes? Like trying to stay on a bucking bronco having your hands that low in the balancing act..

Was riding on the back of a buddies Honda 90 back when I was a kid,, found out that riding backwards and holding onto the tail light was wayyyy more stable than holding onto that thing!!!

[eagleeye]

This law went into effect Sept 1, 2011.

and has to do with mopeds and lightweight crotch rockets for what it's worth.

 

Malorie's http://www.firstladiesoftheroundtable.org/siteimages/balance.gif Law

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the regulation of sport bikes and certain other mottorcycles.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as Malorie'sLaw.

SECTION 2. Section 521.084, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 521.084. CLASS M LICENSE. A Class M driver's license

authorizes the holder of the license to operate a motorcycle,

including a sport bike as defined by Section 541.201, or a moped.

SECTION 3. Section 541.201, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (18-a) to read as follows:

(18-a) "Sport bike" means a motorcycle:

(A) that is optimized for speed, acceleration,

braking, and maneuverability on paved roads;

(B) that has a lightweight frame;

© on which the operator leans forward over the

gas tank during operation; and

(D) that is not a touring, cruising, standard, or

dual-sport motorcycle.

SECTION 4. Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code,

is amended by adding Section 545.4161 to read as follows:

Sec. 545.4161. OPERATION OF SPORT BIKE. (a) In addition to the requirements and prohibitions

under Section 545.416, an

operator may not carry another person on a sport bike unless the

sport bike is designed to carry more than one person and:

(1) the operator:

(A) is at least 18 years of age; and

(B) has had a Class M license for at least two

years; or

(2) the other person:

(A) is at least 18 years of age and holds a Class

M license; or

(B) is a motorcycle operator training and safety

course instructor certified under Chapter 662.

(b) An operator of a sport bike shall ensure that a

passenger on the sport bike complies with all department

regulations relating to motorcycle safety.

SECTION 5. The heading to Subchapter M, Chapter 547,

Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER M. ADDITIONAL OR ALTERNATIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR

MOTORCYCLES, [AND] MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES, AND SPORT BIKES

SECTION 6. Subchapter M, Chapter 547, Transportation Code,

is amended by adding Section 547.803 to read as follows:

Sec. 547.803. SAFETY EQUIPMENT. If a motorcycle, including a sport bike, is designed to carry more than one person, the motorcycle must be equipped with foot pegs and handholds for use by a passenger on the motorcycle.

SECTION 7. Section 661.001(1), Transportation Code, is

amended to read as follows:

(1) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to

propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with theground, and having a saddle for the use of the rider. The term includes a sport bike, as defined by Section 541.201. The term does not include a tractor or a three-wheeled vehicle equipped with a cab or occupant compartment, seat, and seat belt and designed to contain the operator in the cab or occupant compartment.

SECTION 8. This Act takes effect September 1, 201