The more things change the more they seem to stay the same. Every year a number of states review their motorcycle helmet laws. This perspective looks at age for license, age for passenger, helmet type, and whether the use of helmets is even required or not.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said she will veto any bill that would require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Senator Ralph Anderson of Greenville, SC introduced a bill including language that, if passed, would require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Governor Haley is a member of the Lexington County Chapter of ABATE of South Carolina.
South Carolina law currently requires only motorcycle riders who are younger than 21 years of age to wear a helmet. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol 102 fatalities of motorcycle riders occurred in 2011, compared to only 82 in 2010. Most were alcohol related.
In 1967 South Carolina law required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. The current law requiring South Carolina motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear helmets was enacted in 1980.
In 2010 the Supreme Court of South Carolina invalidated a Myrtle Beach city ordinance that required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. The court ruled that a city ordinance could not preempt state law, which required helmets to be worn by only motorcycle riders under 21 years of age.
The good news in all of this is South Carolina has a Governor that actually rides....AND belongs to a motorcycle rights organization. Regardless of the state in which you reside, YOU need to belong to at least on group that works with lawmakers, opinion makers, and media members. This is where the battle is fought, NOT in your basement, or local bar. Once you lose your freedom...its gone. Getting it back may take years...if at all.
Ride Safe.
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