BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1918

By: Watson

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Each year, many motorcyclists are killed on Texas roadways. According to recent national statistics, a significant proportion of motorcycle fatalities occur at night when it is dark and motorists must rely on vehicular lighting to see other vehicles. Given those sobering statistics, it is not surprising that a recent study of crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle found that the failure of the other driver to see the motorcycle was a factor in approximately half of all such crashes. To combat this safety issue, some motorcyclists currently attach light emitting diodes (LEDs) on the underbody of their motorcycle. These LEDs provide another opportunity for motorists to spot a motorcycle at night. However, interested parties contend that current law restricts the lighting that may be emitted from a vehicle, leaving the permissibility of these LEDs unclear. S.B. 1918 seeks to clarify this ambiguity.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1918 amends the Transportation Code to authorize a person to operate a motorcycle equipped with LED ground effect lighting that emits a non-flashing amber or white light. The bill defines "LED ground effect lighting equipment" as light emitting diode (LED) technology that is attached to the underbody of a motorcycle for the purpose of illuminating the body of the motorcycle or the ground below the motorcycle.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.