TWT H.B. 2522 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


TRANSPORTATION
H.B. 2522
By: Finnell
4-16-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

When a car is involved in an accident with a motorcycle, one of the major
causes is that the driver of the car did not see the motorcycle.  Aware of
this problem, motorcycles built after the late 1970s are equipped with
headlights which automatically come on when the motorcycle is started.
However, there are motorcycles built before that time which are still in
use on Texas roads.  With the increase in vehicular traffic on Texas
roads, it may become even more difficult to see motorcycles which do not
have "automatic on" headlights. 

PURPOSE

House Bill 2522 provides for increased motorcycle safety by requiring for
the use of at least one headlamp while the motorcycle is being operated. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1.  Amends Section 547.801, Transportation Code, by adding
Subsection (d) to require the illumination of at least one headlamp during
the operation of a motorcycle. 

Section 2.  Effective date -- September 1, 1997.

Section 3.  Emergency clause.