Not to start a helmet debate - I believe helmets are a good thing, but I don't believe the gov't should control all our personal freedoms - at least offer alternatives (proof of adequate health insurance etc.) to offset the problems the occur for the gov't of not wearing a helmet.
Changes to VA motorcycle law----at least this is leaning toward being fair.
Gotta love the last sentence too....well DUH!
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Local
Helmet exemption fails; lower fine advances
The Associated Press
Jan 30, 2007 5:29 PM (3 days ago)
RICHMOND, Va. - Motorcyclists won't be able to legally ride on Virginia's scenic highways without a helmet, but if they do so illegally they still have hope of paying a lower fine as a result of legislative action Tuesday.
The House of Delegates voted 59-39 to kill legislation sponsored by Del. William Janis, R-Richmond, exempting from the helmet law motorcyclists traveling on scenic highways or Virginia byways as designated by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Republican Del. Frank Hargrove of Hanover County, a longtime motorcyclist and helmet advocate, said the scenic highways are also some of Virginia's most dangerous.
On a voice vote, the House gave preliminary approval to legislation sponsored by Del. Watkins Abbitt, I-Appomattox, to drastically reduce the punishment for riding without a helmet.
Under the current law, a violation is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $250. Violators also can be assessed demerits on their driving record. Abbitt's bill would change it to a civil offense punishable by a $25 fine and no demerits.
But Del. Charles W. Carrico, R-Grayson and a former state trooper, worried the lighter punishment would tempt motorcyclists to ride without a helmet.
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Abbitt's bill is HB3077
Changes to VA motorcycle law----at least this is leaning toward being fair.
Gotta love the last sentence too....well DUH!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local
Helmet exemption fails; lower fine advances
The Associated Press
Jan 30, 2007 5:29 PM (3 days ago)
RICHMOND, Va. - Motorcyclists won't be able to legally ride on Virginia's scenic highways without a helmet, but if they do so illegally they still have hope of paying a lower fine as a result of legislative action Tuesday.
The House of Delegates voted 59-39 to kill legislation sponsored by Del. William Janis, R-Richmond, exempting from the helmet law motorcyclists traveling on scenic highways or Virginia byways as designated by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Republican Del. Frank Hargrove of Hanover County, a longtime motorcyclist and helmet advocate, said the scenic highways are also some of Virginia's most dangerous.
On a voice vote, the House gave preliminary approval to legislation sponsored by Del. Watkins Abbitt, I-Appomattox, to drastically reduce the punishment for riding without a helmet.
Under the current law, a violation is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $250. Violators also can be assessed demerits on their driving record. Abbitt's bill would change it to a civil offense punishable by a $25 fine and no demerits.
But Del. Charles W. Carrico, R-Grayson and a former state trooper, worried the lighter punishment would tempt motorcyclists to ride without a helmet.
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Abbitt's bill is HB3077