SRC-JJJ H.B. 2920 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2920
By: Pitts (Cain)
State Affairs
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Under federal law, all motorcycles manufactured for sale in the United
States after 1980 are required to have a headlight that automatically turns
on when the motorcycle is started. Under current Texas law, all motorcycles
operated on Texas roads must have the headlight turned on during the day as
well as at night. The law exempts motorcycles that were manufactured in
England before 1975 due to the fact that many older British bikes have
unreliable electrical systems. However, some individuals believe such an
exemption would also benefit other older motorcycles. H.B. 2920 exempts all
motorcycles manufactured before 1975 from the statute which prohibits
operating a motorcycle unless at least one headlamp is illuminated. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2920 would establish provisions regarding the operation
of a motorcycle on a public street or highway. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 547.801(d), Transportation Code, to prohibit a
motorcycle from being operated at any time unless at least one headlamp on
the motorcycle is illuminated. Provides that this subsection does not apply
to motorcycles manufactured before the model year 1975, rather than to
motorcycles manufactured in England before the model year 1975.  

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.