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Current Action Items

Helmet Law Debate Video

An in-depth video report on motorcycle fatalities in South Carolina and the opposing views held by members of the Motorcycle Safety Task Force.

USC journalism student Jennifer Robinson
QuickTime Movie (6.9 MB)
Free Download: QuickTime Player

This impressive video report was created by USC journalism student Jennifer Robinson for the Carolina News; she has kindly shared the video with ABATE.

Red Light Bill S111 Becomes Law!

The Governor has signed S111 into law! ABATE's legislative team and the bill's author Reb deserve thanks and appreciation for their efforts on behalf of all bikers.

This new law address faulty traffic signal devices that fail to detect motorcycles. This bill will clearly increase safety for motorcyclists by reducing the chance of being struck from behind while stranded at a malfunctioning light.

Motorcycle Tag Bill S605 Becomes Law!

The Governor singed S605 into law June 16, 2008. This law makes it legal to mount vehicle license tags vertical on motorcycles. Addtitionally this law extends availablity of specal tags from just cars and passenger trucks to motorcycles.

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

During the current legislative session SCORE and ABATE worked together and successfully defeated S 348. This teamwork killed legislation that would have unfairly restricted ATV use, property rights, and parental rights.

Issues of Current Concern to South Carolina Bikers/Motorcyclists

  • Maintain South Carolina's current helmet law.
  • Address accidents caused by failure to yield right of way.
  • Promote motorcycle awareness.
  • Correct faulty traffic signal devices at traffic lights.
  • Protect motorcyclists from discrimination.
  • Legalize motorcycle poker runs in South Carolina.
  • Require toxicology testing after fatal accidents.
  • Prevent further government intrusions into citizens rights.

Current Bills of Interest to South Carolina Bikers/Motorcyclists

Bills Opposed by Bikers/Motorcyclists

  • S 797, H 3622, H 4322, and H 4342 “Chandlers Law” would potentially restrict ATV use, property rights, and parental rights. (bikers oppose this legislation)
  • H 3092 and H 3939 would allow traffic enforcement at intersections by camera. Similar legislation has increased rear-ender crashes in other states that are dangerous to motorcyclists. (bikers oppose this legislation)

Bills Supported by Bikers/Motorcyclists

  • S 111 and H 4669 would allow motorcyclists to treat defective traffic signals as stop signs after waiting a reasonable number of minutes. (bikers support this legislation)
  • S 122 would require alcohol breath test for drivers involved in fatal accidents. (bikers support this legislation)
  • S 272 would allow signs promoting motorcycle safety in areas where motorcycle fatalities have occurred within three years. (bikers support this legislation)
  • S 605 would provide for vertically mounted license plates. (bikers support this legislation)
  • S 971 would make available a 'Veteran' special motor vehicle license plate for use on a private passenger-carrying motor vehicle registered in such person's name in this State who served in the United States Armed Forces
  • S 1117 would make available special license plates for use on a private passenger motor vehicle, or motorcycle owned or leased by residents of this State which separately honor the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marines Corps, United States Air Force, and the United States Coast Guard.
  • H 3201 would allow poker games for recreation. May help legalize motorcycle poke runs. (bikers support this legislation)
  • H 3301 would establish the crimes of vehicular homicide and vehicular great bodily injury, and provide penalties for both crimes. (bikers support this legislation)
  • H 4145 would provide specialty license plates for motorcycles. (bikers support this legislation)
  • S 1050 and H 4157 DMV may issue "Military Veterans Motorcycle" special license plates. (bikers support this legislation)
ABATE does not advocate riding without a helmet; ABATE advocates that you have the right to decide. ABATE does not condone drinking and driving or riding. Contributions to ABATE of South Carolina, Inc., or any of its chapters are not tax deductible.