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MICHIGAN'S
HELMET CHOICE LAW
Contact: Jim Rhoades (734)578-6144
Vince Consiglio (248) 672-0957
Printable copy here
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This new law takes effect Immediately!
No additional requirements needed for out of state
riders!!
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ABATE:
Governor Signs Helmet Choice Law
Michigan joins 30
other states to allow adult choice on helmet use,
toughens standards
LANSING– After 46 years, Michigan now joins 30 other
states in amending the mandatory helmet law in favor of
adult choice. The Michigan legislature overwhelmingly
approved SB 291 with broad bi-partisan support and
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed Public Act 98 into
law, yesterday. The new law modernizes Michigan’s
outdated mandatory helmet law, which was a holdover from
bygone days leaving Michigan, in the minority—one of
only 20 states left enforcing an empty federal mandate.
The proposal to update Michigan’s mandatory helmet law
was introduced in the Senate by Senator Phil Pavlov (R)
St. Clair.
“Every year, millions of dollars leave our state because
of Michigan’s outdated mandatory helmet law,” Pavlov
said. “This bipartisan plan will keep our dollars here,
attract even more tourists to Michigan and help our
state in these tough economic times.” Pavlov’s bill also
strengthened standards for allowing choice by mandating
more stringent provisions then other helmet-free states.
To ride helmet-free, motorcyclists must:
· Carry at least $20,000 in additional medical
insurance.
· Be at least 21 years old.
· Have at least two years of riding experience or
undergo special safety training.
“We believe that the key to motorcycle safety, accident
reduction and injury prevention lies in rider education,
car driver awareness and license endorsement,” said Jim
Rhoades, Legislative Director for American Bikers Aiming
Toward Education, or ABATE of Michigan. “We plan to
continue providing certified motorcycle rider safety
courses across the state at affordable rates so every
rider can be educated before hitting the road.”
The law was written with input from ABATE, a motorcycle
association dedicated to improving motorcycle safety and
car driver awareness of motorcyclists on the roads. The
new law gives Michigan the strictest requirements for
riding helmet-free of any state that has modified
mandatory helmet laws for adult choice (30 states).
Allowing motorcyclists to ride helmet-free could also
generate more than $1 billion in direct and indirect
revenue, according to a recent Michigan Consultants
study.
“The problem is, helmet laws have done nothing to
improve safety or reduce fatalities or the cost of
insurance,” said Vince Consiglio, President of ABATE of
Michigan. “Motorcycle accidents are a very small
percentage of accidents overall. Data from other states
demonstrate that states that remove mandatory helmet
laws do not see an increase in insurance premiums, and
states that institute helmet laws do not see a
corresponding decrease in insurance rates. It’s never
happened. In addition, the leading insurance lobbyist
was videotaped testifying before a senate committee last
session saying that residents in Michigan will NOT see
any rate increase as a result of the passage of this
bill. This is yet another reason that we garnered such a
large support base from the Michigan legislature.
“On behalf of all ABATE’s members statewide and
motorcyclists around the country who can now travel into
Michigan and enjoy this great state with or without a
helmet, I want to extend our gratitude to all of the
legislative officials and Governor Rick Snyder who
courageously supported freedom in the face of an
onslaught of baseless and emotional arguments
perpetuated by our opponents,” Consiglio added.
The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association is a
statewide trade association representing bars,
restaurants, convenience stores and other class C
license holders that also supported a change in the law.
“Every year we watch our customers ride into neighboring
states and very few motorcycles ride in because of this
law. Our members near the Michigan borders are
ecstatic!” said Scott Ellis, the Executive Director of
the MLBA.
ABATE Michigan has partnered with public schools and
private driving instructors to teach more than 75,000
new drivers about motorcycle awareness, using resources
donated by ABATE members.
Since1975, ABATE members have lobbied legislators to
modify Michigan’s out dated mandatory helmet law, which
was a barrier to motorcycle tourism. At the same time,
the previous law did nothing to reduce motorcycle
injuries and fatalities.
Statistics about Michigan Motorcyclists*
· 36.5 years of age
· Married
· College-educated
· Average income:
o $35,000/yr
o $57,000/yr for members of American Motorcyclists
Association
o $80,000/yr for Harley - Davidson owners
· Most are insured to operate a vehicle and a motorcycle
· Are responsible law-abiding citizens
· Have passed motorcycle safety courses
· Have experience on the road
· Pay taxes, registration and operating fees
· Capable of making his/her decision about whether or
not he/she should wear a helmet
*American Motorcyclist Association |
 
A.B.A.T.E. Of Michigan
Inc.
P.O. Box 99
Constantine, Mi
49042 |
