Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB639

Introduced
1/25/24  

Caption

Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear Requirement - Exception (In Remembrance of Gary "Pappy" Boward)

Impact

If passed, HB639 will amend existing transportation laws in Maryland under the section pertaining to motorcycle operations. The change is significant, as it modifies the age and experience requirements for individuals to ride without protective headgear. This could lead to a shift in motorcycle safety culture within the state, potentially encouraging more individuals to take up motorcycle riding by offering eased restrictions based on demonstrated competency through experience or training.

Summary

House Bill 639 proposes an amendment to the state's motorcycle laws by establishing an exception to the current requirement mandating the use of protective headgear for certain motorcycle operators and their passengers. The bill allows individuals who are at least 21 years old, have held a motorcycle license for at least two years, or have completed an approved motorcycle safety course, to ride without a helmet. This law aims to offer more freedom for experienced riders while still considering safety measures for less experienced operators.

Contention

Notably, the proposed bill may spark debate among safety advocates who argue that lifting helmet requirements could increase injury rates among motorcyclists, particularly in accidents. Opponents might contend that even experienced riders are at risk and that protective gear is fundamental to reducing fatalities. Conversely, supporters of HB639 might argue that individuals should have the right to make personal choices about their safety, especially when they have demonstrated sufficient experience or have taken steps to receive safety training.

Companion Bills

MD SB503

Crossfiled Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear Requirement - Exception (In Remembrance of Gary "Pappy" Boward)

Previously Filed As

MD SB933

Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear Requirement for Motorcycle Rides - Exception (In Rememberance of Gary "Pappy" Boward)

MD HB20

Vehicle Laws – Horse Riding – Helmet Requirement for Minors

MD HB1193

Consumer Protection - Motor Vehicles - Right to Repair

MD SB374

Motor Vehicle Registration - Exceptions for Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles - Cobb Island

MD HB519

Bicycles, Play Vehicles, and Unicycles - Authorizations and Requirements

MD SB858

Firearm Safety - Storage Requirements and Youth Suicide Prevention (Jaelynn's Law)

MD HB948

Motor Vehicle Registration - Exceptions for Golf Carts - Cobb Island

MD SB786

Health - Reproductive Health Services - Protected Information and Insurance Requirements

MD HB812

Health - Reproductive Health Services - Protected Information and Insurance Requirements

MD HB250

Vehicle Laws - Disabled Veteran Registration Plates - Issuance

Similar Bills

MD SB745

Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear Requirement for Motorcycle Riders - Exception

MD SB397

Motorcycles - Protective Headgear Requirement - Exception (In Remembrance of Gary "Pappy" Boward)

MD SB933

Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear Requirement for Motorcycle Rides - Exception (In Rememberance of Gary "Pappy" Boward)

MD SB503

Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear Requirement - Exception (In Remembrance of Gary "Pappy" Boward)

AL SB302

Motorcycles; certain aged individuals with certain insurance authorized to operate without helmets

AL HB294

Motorcycles, use of helmet, exception to use requirement provided, Sec. 32-5A-245 am'd.

AL SB65

Motorcycles, reflective protective headgear required, Sec. 32-5A-245 am'd.

NJ S2436

Exempts sale of recreational safety helmets from sales and use tax.