NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates SB153

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

66-3-841 NMSA 1978

Administrative Office of the Courts

Taxation and Revenue Department, draft analysis

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

HB 387 repeals Section 66-3-841 NMSA 1978 restricting the allowable height of motorcycle handlebars and how such height is measured.

Significant Issues

The statute being repealed currently states that motorcycle handlebars can not have an outer end raised more than fifteen inches above the level of the motorcycle seat where the driver/operator normally sits. Furthermore, "the level of the seat shall be determined as being the top of the seat when the seat is fully depressed." By repealing this statute, the level of motorcycle handlebars may be raised or the motorcycle may be equipped with handlebars presumably at the desired height.

The issues of operator visibility and public safety may be a factor in raised handlebars; repealing this law may result in an increased rate of motorcycle accidents. However, this statute specifically addresses the allowable height of the outer ends of handlebars - the grip area wherein an operator would hold and steer the motorcycle.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no fiscal impact as a result of this bill.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The fine imposed for violation of Section 66-3-841 is $10 per violation. There are no statistical records on how many people have been cited for violation of this motorcycle handlebar height law over the last 32 years.

CMH/njw:ar