ABATE of South Carolina Legislative Issues

Last legislative session we succeed in passing legislation to reduce the personal property tax on motorcycles from 10.5% to 6%. We also passed legislation to legalize ape hangers and remove all handlebar restrictions in South Carolina. Additionally in the last session we passed legislation to provide Purple Heart motorcycle tags for veterans wounded in action.

Issues for the Upcoming Legislative Session

• Addressing failure to yield right of way problem
• Increasing funding for Riders Ed through grants
• Correcting faulty traffic detectors at traffic lights
• Protecting motorcyclists from discrimination
• Requiring toxicology testing after fatal accidents
• Legalizing poker runs in South Carolina
• Opposing gang legislation that has any motorcycle language
• Maintaining South Carolina's current helmet law

Current Bills of Interest to Bikers and Motorcyclists

ABATE is For Passage:

• S 111 Allows motorcyclists to treat defective traffic signals as stop signs.
• S 122 Requires alcohol breath test for drivers involved in fatal accidents.
• S 272 Allows signs promoting motorcycle safety in areas where motorcycle fatalities have          occurred within three years.              

• H 3201 Allows poker games for recreation. May help legalize poke runs.
  
   

ABATE is Against Passage:
 

• H 3084 Redefines motorcycle dealerships, franchises, and manufacturers.
• H 3086 Allows persons wearing bioptic telescopic lenses for visions assistance
                to obtain a driver's license
• H 3092 Allows use of cameras to enforce traffic laws
• H 3093 Gang bill with unwanted motorcycle language. There are four additional
                gang bills that may also negatively impact poker runs S 78, S 141, H 3049, and H 3139.