HB 2470
Author: Phillips
Last Action: 05/05/2011 S Received from the House
Caption: Relating to the regulation of sport bikes and certain other motorcycles.
In a nutshell, they're looking at a series of things to include:
1) Definition of a sportbike
Section 541.201, Transportation Code, is amended
by adding Subdivision (18-a) to read as follows:
(18-a) "Sport bike" means a motorcycle:
(A) that is optimized for speed, acceleration,
braking, and maneuverability on paved roads;
(B) that has a light-weight frame;
(C) on which the rider leans forward over the gas
tank; and
(D) is not a touring, cruiser, standard, or
dual-sport motorcycle.
2) The passenger on a sportbike is defined as one who is 18 or older with an "M" endorsement
SECTION 4. Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 545.4161 to read as follows:
Sec. 545.4161. OPERATION OF SPORT BIKE. (a) In addition to
the requirements and prohibitions under Section 545.416, an
operator may not carry another person on a sport bike unless the
sport bike is designed to carry more than one person, and unless:
(1) the operator:
(A) is at least 18 years of age; and
(B) has had a Class M license for at least two
years; or
(2) the other person:
(A) is at least 18 years of age and holds a Class
M license; or
(B) is a motorcycle operator training and safety
course instructor certified under Chapter 662.
(b) An operator of a sport bike shall ensure that a
passenger on the sport bike complies with all department
regulations relating to motorcycle safety.
3) The addition of requisite 'safety' equipment to include:
Sec. 547.803. SPORT BIKE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. If a sport bike
is designed to carry more than one person, the sport bike must be
equipped with foot pegs and handholds for use by a passenger on the
sport bike.
4) Defining Motorcycle to include Sportbike
SECTION 7. Section 661.001(1), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(1) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to
propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact The term
includes a sport bike, as defined by Section 541.201.
