Florida - The bill that wanted to originally confiscate motorcycles for speeding and or stunt riding was contested by many during the Florida 2008 Legislative Session. During the hearings the bill sponsor stated that it had the endorsement of ABATE of Florida.
Doc Reichenbach president of ABATE and paid lobbyist for the organization later said that was not true. The AMA sent out a call to action to their membership requesting they contact their legislators about not passing this bill. BOLT (Bikers Of Lesser Tolerance) had representatives at the hearings as did other motorcycle rights groups and some of the wording was changed though the bill did eventually pass. ABATE of Florida has taken credit for the changes in the bill.
There were specifics in this bill about the front wheel of the motorcycle not leaving the ground and that the rider must have a leg on either side of the motorcycle while operating it. There was also a change that outlawed license plates from being mounted incorrectly. They must be mounted horizontally.
Many people felt that this law was an attempt to get money and or property from the motorcyclist who some feel are wealthy and can afford it as opposed to a safety matter. The final bill appears to back up that as the stated fine for the license plate will be $1,000.00 for the first offense with the second violation being $2,500.00 and third being $5,000.00. This is the same as if the violator was doing reckless and or stunt riding.
Mike "Radar" Price who is ABATE of Florida's State Legislative Director has sent out a letter of explanation on this and says he has discussed his findings with Doc (ABATE Lobbyist) and they have begun a level of communication to correct this situation. In the mean time motorcycle riders in Florida BEWARE!!!!
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here to read the entire law in PDF format.
SM
09-21-2008, 05:25 PM
Florida House Bill 137 Becomes Law
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