The bill amends the General Laws related to motor vehicle and motorcycle licenses, specifically increasing the fee for an operator’s first motorcycle license from $25 to $50 and deleting the language concerning the motorcycle learner’s permit. It also adjusts various other fees for licenses and services provided by the division of motor vehicles, such as renewals and duplicates. Furthermore, the bill revises the requirements for obtaining a special license to operate motorcycles, removing the need for a motorcycle learner’s permit and instead requiring compliance with specified requirements. It introduces a condition that holders of a special license with a limited provisional license can only drive a motorcycle during times they are allowed to drive a motor vehicle without supervision.

Additionally, the bill sets forth qualifications for motorcycle rider education instructors, including age, experience, certification, and a clean driving record, as well as a requirement for a criminal background check. It caps classroom size at 24 students and on-range instruction at 12 students. Successful completion of an approved motorcycle rider education program and passing the necessary tests will exempt students from the road test requirement for licensing. The bill removes state subsidies for motorcycle driver education programs and absolves the state of liability for acts or omissions by motorcycle dealers and/or associations in implementing the education program. Dealerships and associations are required to pay an application fee and a yearly renewal fee for program oversight. The bill is effective three months after passage.

Statutes affected:
2836: 31-10-31, 31-10.1-2