New Motorcycle Laws Roll Into Texas September 1, 2009

New Motorcycle Laws Roll Into Texas September 1, 2009

HOUSTON—On June 19, 2009, Governor Rick Perry signed into law Senate Bill 1967 (SB1967) of the 81st Regular Legislative Session. This law became effective September 1, 2009, and includes many motorcycle-related changes that affect all riders.

First, the bill requires that applicants for an original class M license or class A, B or C driver license (including commercial driver licenses and permits) with authorization to operate a motorcycle, provide evidence of completion of an approved motorcycle operator training course. It also repeals the helmet exemption sticker program.

Texas Driver Responsibility Program under Fire

Texas Driver Responsibility Program under Fire

HOUSTON—It is common knowledge that drunken-driving laws in America vary from state-to-state, but in Texas, they often differ between counties. This “checkerboard” system of enforcement has recently come under fire, with local judges, lawmakers and upset residents calling for congruent reform and the elimination of hefty surcharges often imposed on top of criminal penalties.

Criminal Justice Committee Chairman John Whitmire, D-Houston, has taken special issue with the state’s Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), which includes a surcharge of $1000 annually for three years for first-time driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) offenders. Too often, motorists simply opt not to pay the fines, which Whitmire and law officers said means more people driving without licenses or insurance.