An Act To Amend the Motorcycle Rider Education and Driver Education Laws
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1352, sub-§2, ¶¶F to H are enacted to read:
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §1352, sub-§§2-A and 2-B are enacted to read:
(1) Provide a classroom, including a motorcycle riding range, in a permanent or temporary location approved by the Secretary of State;
(2) Display a business sign at the licensed place of business;
(3) Provide confirmation of liability insurance coverage for motorcycle riders operating on the motorcycle rider education school's motorcycle riding range; and
(4) Obtain a surety bond in the amount of $10,000.
(1) Ensure that each instructor employed by the school holds a valid motorcycle rider education instructor license;
(2) Ensure that each motorcycle owned, rented, leased or borrowed and used for any hands-on training course at the motorcycle rider education school is approved by the Secretary of State;
(3) Submit and retain copies of course forms provided by the Secretary of State. All records must be retained by the school for 5 years; and
(4) Immediately advise the Secretary of State, in writing, whenever the location or mailing address of the school changes.
Sec. 3. 29-A MRSA §1352, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2017, c. 229, §23, is further amended to read:
(1) Conduct, or authorize other qualified persons to conduct, instructor preparation courses; and
(2) Establish reasonable qualification standards and requirements for licensing. The requirements must include a provision to demonstrate proficiency in operating a motorcycle.
Sec. 4. 29-A MRSA §1352, sub-§3-A is enacted to read:
Sec. 5. 29-A MRSA §1352, sub-§7, as amended by PL 2017, c. 229, §23, is further amended to read:
Sec. 6. 29-A MRSA §1354, sub-§6, ¶A, as amended by PL 2011, c. 556, §16, is further amended to read:
Sec. 7. 29-A MRSA §1354, sub-§7, as amended by PL 2011, c. 556, §19, is further amended to read:
summary
This bill amends the motorcycle rider education laws to clarify that a person who completes a motorcycle rider education course approved by the Secretary of State on a 2-wheel motorcycle may operate a 2-wheel or 3-wheel motorcycle and that a person who completes a motorcycle rider education course approved by the Secretary of State on a 3-wheel motorcycle may only operate a 3-wheel motorcycle. A person who holds a motorcycle learner's permit and who completes a motorcycle road test administered by the Secretary of State on a 3-wheel motorcycle is also restricted to the operation of a 3-wheel motorcycle. The bill requires motorcycle rider education schools to be licensed, submit to inspections and establish a place of business.
The bill also amends the driver education program laws to require that the 2 instructors who serve on the Secretary of State's Technical Review Panel be licensed in the curriculum and training being reviewed. The bill removes the authorization for the State to bring an action in Superior Court to enjoin a person from violating the driver education laws, as the penalties under those laws are administered by the District Courts.