SENATE, No. 440
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
INTRODUCED JANUARY 18, 1996
By Senators KOSCO and Zane
An Act concerning traffic safety and amending P.L.1967, c.237.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 6 of P.L.1967, c.237 (C.39:3-76.7) is amended to read as follows:
6. a. No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a securely fitted protective helmet of a size proper for that person and of a type approved by the director. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof. The director is authorized and empowered to adopt rules and regulations covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets which meet the specifications as established hereunder. For the purposes of this section, motorcycle shall not include any three-wheeled motor vehicle equipped with a single cab with glazing enclosing the occupant, seats similar to those of a passenger vehicle or truck, seat belts and automotive steering.
The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a person 21 years of age or older who: (1) has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years; or (2) has completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the director.
b. The director shall not assess motor vehicle points for the failure of a motorcycle operator or rider to wear a protective helmet.
(cf: P.L.1992, c.153, s.1)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
Under current law all persons must wear protective helmets while operating or riding upon a motorcycle. This bill would exempt from this requirement those operators who are at least 21 years old and have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years, or have completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the director of the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Law and Public Safety.
Exempts certain motorcycle operators from helmet law.