Auxiliary Lighting for Motorcycles Legalized in Maryland
According to hometownannapolis.com, ABATE of Maryland have successfully lobbied for the legalization of auxiliary lighting on motorcycles. The "Night-time Awareness - Auxiliary Lighting" bill unanimously passed through the Senate and the House, and enables the front, rear, and sides of bikes to be illuminated using non-outwardly projecting lights.
Pat Corcoran, spokesman for ABATE, says "Most motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, (they are) almost always the fault of the other vehicle, and usually the comment of the other vehicle is, we just didn't see him." Police Sgt. Dave Ennis adds that "Anything that adds to the visibility of the rider, I think is a move in the right direction."
Though it won't get signed by Maryland's governor until June 1, the bill was publicized to raise awareness for the National Highway Traffic Safety Association's motorcycle awareness week. And while some cagers may interpret the bill as a license to bling, I think this can be an effective way to increase nighttime visibility. Would you want a similar bill passed in your state?
Photo © Boogey Lights
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Comments
I don’t know why this was ever illegal and why there needs to be a law allowing it.
Scottie,
I think lawmakers suspect it might be distracting, but hey– at least it gets you noticed in a less offensive way than loud pipes.
I’m willing to bet that it’s been illegal in the past of you know that just like any other group, there are people who abuse rights.
these light make a motor cycle alot more visible at night, my wife and I both have them on our bikes, and we believe they help, why should there be any law against them? we live in texas, thanks
Absolutely. Anything that increases rider conspicuity without being obscene or blinding to others looks like a good idea to me.
This is good news for Maryland bikers. Anything we can do to be better seen, particularly at night, is an advantage. The new law expressly disallows red and blue and lights that flash or oscillate but there are still many other choices available (green, hot pink, jade, orange, purple, white). We at Wyked Illuzionz (Www.wykedilluzionz.com)view this as a real victory for Maryland bikers.
This is great, not only do they look cool on some bikes but as others have said anything that makes you stand out is good.
D.C. metro drivers are notorious for not seeing full sized SUV’s much less bikes.
I found a site which has a large listing of free motorcycle classifieds if anyone is interested. They also list the lights.
Discount-Motorcycles.net
You got to love ABATE, FYI for anyone who doesn’t know who they are look them up, its a great organization for any rider to be involved with. They do all sorts of stuff dealing with rider freedom.