MOTORCYLE AND MOPED LIGHTS

House Bill 5961

Sponsor:  Rep. Rick Jones

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 6-12-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5961 AS INTRODUCED 4-20-06

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require that a motorcycle or moped at all times display lighted head lamps when operating on a highway.  If the motorcycle or moped is equipped with a head lamp modulator, the modulator could only be operated from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

The bill would permit a motorcycle or moped head lamp to be wired or equipped to allow either its upper beam or its lower beam, but not both, to modulate from a higher intensity to a lower intensity.  A head lamp modulator installed on a motorcycle or moped with two head lamps would have to be wired to prevent the head lamps from modulating at different rates or not in synchronization with each other.  Under the bill, head lamp modulators would have to meet federal standards. 

MCL 257.684 and 685

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on state and local governments due to potential increased fines for not operating the motorcycle or moped headlamps at all times or using the head lamp modulator properly.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Jan Wisniewski

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.