BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3313
88R10028 DIO-F	By: Ordaz (West)
	Transportation
	5/11/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS) has reported that confusion exists among law enforcement officers  regarding what color lights can be displayed on a motorcycle or on mopeds as ground effect lighting. This often results in traffic stops for motorcyclists and moped riders based on unclear interpretations of state law regarding the colors of lights that can be displayed.

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DPS believes the legislative intent of Section 547.306(b), Transportation Code, was to limit the colors of lights that may be displayed to only amber or white. However, the law states that a person may operate a motorcycle or moped equipped with LED ground effect lighting that emits non-flashing amber or white light, but does not prohibit other colors or types of lighting.

The goal of H.B. 3313 is to clarify for both law enforcement officers and Texas motorcycle and moped riders that the only type of LED ground effect lighting permitted by law on motorcycles and mopeds are non-flashing amber or white lights.

H.B. 3313 amends current law relating to the use of certain lighting equipment on motorcycles and mopeds.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 547.306(b), Transportation Code, as follows:

(b)  Authorizes a person to operate a motorcycle or moped equipped with LED ground effect lighting only if the lighting emits a non-flashing amber or white light and no other type of light, rather than LED ground effect lighting that emits a non-flashing amber or white light.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.