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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

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SOURCES OF INFORMATION

66-3-841 NMSA 1978

Administrative Office of the Courts

No Response

Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

SB153 repeals Section 66-3-841 NMSA 1978 regarding the allowable height of motorcycle handlebars and how such height is measured.

Significant Issues

The statute being repealed (see citation above) currently states that motorcycle handlebars can not have an outer end raised more than fifteen inches above the level of the motorcycle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. By repealing this statute, the level of motorcycle handlebars may be raised or the motorcycle may be equipped with handlebars presumably as high as desired.

The issues of visibility and safety may be a factor in raised handlebars; 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 perceived fiscal impact as a result of this bill.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

There are no specific statistical records on how many people have been prosecuted for violation of this motorcycle handlebar height law over the last 32 years, if any at all.

CMH/prr