Legislative Session 2008

Auxiliary lighting – Passed

This bill, which passed in the first attempt, allowed certain accent lighting on motorcycles to increase nighttime visibility, was well received, and ABATE was commended for bringing the safety aspects of this issue to the General assembly

Motorcycle tag sizing – Passed

Motorcycle tag size standardization- Until this bill passed Maryland was one of only 3 states which did not have the standard sized motorcycle tag. Ours was oversized and did not fit stock brackets on motorcycles. This bill reduced the size of our tags to come in line with 47 other states.

Definition of a Motorcycle – Passed

Legal Definition of a motorcycle- this bill officially changed the definition to allow motorcycles with two

wheels on the front to accommodate the new style that was developed.

Helmet Law Modification – Did not pass

Right of Way Violation Penalties: After several years of trying, and the death of then State Director Marty Schultz by a right of way violator, the bill to increase penalties for right of way violations to $1,000 and 180 day loss of license was passed and enacted. ABATE is constantly working to improve and enhance this bill. ( SB 712  & HB 1231 )