LIMIT TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION PERMIT
House Bill 4781 (Substitute H-1)
Sponsor: Rep. Bradford C. Jacobsen
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure (Enacted as Public Act 120 of 2014)
Complete to 2-17-14
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4781 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON 2-11-14
The bill would amend the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code to specify that an individual would not be eligible for more than two motorcycle temporary instruction permits in a 10-year period.
Currently under the Code, individuals 16 or 17 years of age who are enrolled in or have successfully completed an approved motorcycle safety course and individuals who are 18 years of age or older who hold a valid operator’s or chauffeur's license can obtain a motorcycle temporary instruction permit from the Secretary of State allowing them to operate a motorcycle on public streets and highways for a period of 180 days. In such a case, the permit holder must operate the motorcycle under the constant visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 18 years old, cannot operate the motorcycle at night, and cannot operate the motorcycle with a passenger.
The bill, as noted, would add that an individual would be eligible for no more than two such temporary permits in a 10-year period, as of January 1, 2015.
MCL 257.306
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no significant fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to committee testimony, the intent of creating a motorcycle temporary instruction permit was to allow individuals to operate motorcycles subject to certain restrictions (being under the visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator and riding only in daylight without a passenger) until they are able to become fully licensed to operate a motorcycle. However, according to committee witnesses, some people get the temporary permits repeatedly rather than take the tests necessary to become fully licensed. This means there are many unlicensed motorcycle operators on the road, according to ABATE, the advocates for motorcyclists. A spokesperson for that organizations says studies show that many motorcycle fatalities involve riders without a motorcycle endorsement (from 42% to 58% in recent years). The bill would limit the number of the temporary permits available in order to increase the number of motorcyclists on the road who have taken a motorcycle safety course or passed the state rider skills test and so are riding with the proper endorsement.
POSITIONS:
A representative from the Office of the Secretary of State testified in support of the bill. (1-28-14)
ABATE of Michigan testified in support of the bill. (1-28-14)
Michigan Sheriff’s Association supports the bill. (1-28-14)
Fiscal Analyst: Marilyn Peterson
■ 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.