Report Title:

Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, Mopeds, Bicycles; Helmet Requirement

Description:

Requires all operators of motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds on public roadways to wear a helmet.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2534

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to transportaTION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Section 286-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§286-81 Motorcycle, motor scooter, etc.; protective devices. (a) No person shall:

(1) Operate a motorcycle, moped, or motor scooter, on any highway in the State unless the person and any passenger the person carries on the motorcycle, moped, or motor scooter wears:

(A) Safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield, in the case of a motorcycle or motor scooter that is not equipped with windscreens or windshields; [and]

(B) A properly secured safety helmet approved under applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; and

[(B)] (C) Any other protective devices[, other than a safety helmet,] required by rules adopted by the director.

For the purpose of meeting the requirements of this paragraph, a required device shall meet the specifications and requirements established by rules adopted by the director;

(2) Lease or rent a motorcycle, moped, or motor scooter to another person unless the person furnishes:

(A) Safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield, in the case of a motorcycle or motor scooter that is not equipped with windscreens or windshields; and

[(B) Any] any other protective devices required by the rules adopted by the director for the use of the person or persons intending to operate or ride as a passenger on the motorcycle or motor scooter; provided that any person to whom a motorcycle or motor scooter is leased or rented may furnish for the person's own use the protective devices required by this part[.];

(B) A properly secured safety helmet approved under applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; and

(C) Any other protective devices required by rules adopted by the director.

For the purposes of meeting the requirements of this paragraph, a required device shall meet the specifications and requirements established by rules adopted by the director; or

(3) Sell or offer for sale or furnish any safety helmet, safety glasses, goggles, face shield, windscreen, windshield, or other protective devices represented to meet the requirements of this part unless the device meets the specifications and requirements established by rules adopted by the director.

(b) No person less than eighteen years of age shall operate or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, moped, or motor scooter on any highway in the State unless the person wears a safety helmet securely fastened with a chin strap.

[(c) A safety helmet shall not be required for any person who operates or rides as a passenger on a motorcycle or motor scooter; provided that the motorcycle or motor scooter:

(1) Has three wheels;

(2) Is powered by an electric motor;

(3) Has a full body enclosed cab; and

(4) Has a seat belt assembly or a child restraint system for the driver and passenger;

and the operator and passenger uses the seat belt or child restraint system pursuant to sections 291-11.5 and 291-11.6.]"

SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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