Changes to Michigan's Laws That Could Benefits Motorcyclists

As Seen in Thunder Road Magazine

 

So far this year, we’ve seen a number of Bills proposing changes to Michigan’s motorcycling laws. I believe some of these changes could benefit motorcyclists and potentially increase rider safety, which is a step in the right direction. Here are a few changes proposed this year to Michigan’s motorcycling laws.

House Bill No. 4781: This Bill amends the section of Michigan’s vehicle code (MCL 257.306) that deals with the Temporary Instruction Permits (TIPs) for motorcyclists. Previously, motorcyclists who did not have a CY endorsement on their driver’s license could get TIP, allowing them to ride legally for six months under certain restrictions, including only riding during daylight hours, always wearing a helmet, always riding with a fully-endorsed adult, and others. The purpose of the TIP was to give new motorcyclists the opportunity to practice their skills before taking their rider skills test as part of the CY endorsement process. 

However, rather than using the TIP to practice for their Skills Test and to get their CY endorsement, some riders were using a TIP for the entire riding season, letting it expire over the winter, and then applying for a new one the start next motorcycling season. 

House Bill No. 4781, which was unanimously approved in May of this year and takes effect on January 1, 2015, limits riders to just two TIPs in a ten-year period. That gives motorcyclists more than enough time to practice before their Skills Test, if they don’t want to take a certified Rider Safety Course. This change is a step in the right direction, at least as far as encouraging riders to ride legally with a CY endorsement. Hopefully, having fewer untrained, un-endorsed riders on the roads will lead to more safety for all. 

Taking a certified Rider Safety Course is a good idea, and I always recommend motorcyclists get their CY endorsement. Getting endorsed is not expensive, especially compared to the fines you might pay if you are caught riding without an endorsement. Plus, insurance rates tend to go down once you get your CY, so getting endorsed can save you money.

House Bill No. 5438: This Bill would amend section 37 of the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act (MCL 257.657), specifically to include motorcycle (and bicycle) awareness and safety training for all new motor-vehicle drivers. 

The Bill proposes that “classroom instruction shall include information concerning the laws pertaining to bicycles and motorcycles and shall emphasize awareness of their operation on the streets, roads, and highways.” House Bill No. 5438 has not yet been made law yet, but it’s on its way. 

If the Bill passes, motorcycle awareness and safety training will be a legal part of the driver education curriculum. Promoting motorcycle awareness among new drivers will help spread the word to Watch for Motorcycles, and could help save lives.

House Bill No. 4265: This Bill would amend section 611 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.611). The proposed change would allow motorcyclists, as well as moped and 3-wheeled motorcycle riders, and bicyclists, to proceed through a red light if their motorcycle or vehicle does not trigger the light’s sensors, within certain restrictions. The rider would have to wait at the red light for a complete light cycle or a minimum of sixty seconds if the light is not cycling. They would also be required to yield to oncoming traffic “in the manner required by the stop signal.” 

Other states have enacted similar laws, often called “safe-on-red” laws. Every state’s law is different, but the general idea is the same: to allow motorcyclists and others on small vehicles to proceed when sensors don’t pick up their vehicles, as long as it is safe to do so.

Safe-on-red laws will increase convenience, but it’s not clear what impact they may have on rider safety, if any. I think any safe-on-red laws enacted must be accompanied by a strong awareness campaign. If motor vehicle drivers are educated about the new law and reminded to watch for motorcycles in intersections, it could go a long way to making laws like this one safer for motorcyclists. 

Stay tuned for updates on these and other new laws here in Michigan, and stay safe this summer!