MOTORCYCLE INDORSEMENT: PENALTIES S.B. 496:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 496 (as reported without amendment)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prescribe a misdemeanor penalty for an individual who operated a motorcycle without an indorsement on his or her license.
The Code requires a person to obtain a motorcycle indorsement on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license before operating a motorcycle, other than an autocycle, upon a public street or highway in Michigan.
The bill specifies that an individual who violated this requirement would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as follows:
-- For a first violation, by imprisonment for up to 90 days or a maximum fine of $500, or both.
-- For any subsequent violation that occurred after a prior conviction, by imprisonment for up to one year or a maximum fine of $1,000, or both.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
MCL 257.312a Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and a negative fiscal impact on local government. It is currently a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $100 and imprisonment for up to 90 days, to operate a motorcycle without a motorcycle indorsement. The bill would maintain the maximum length of imprisonment of 90 days for a first violation, but would increase the penalty to a term of up to one year for repeat violations. An increase in jail sentences could place incremental resource demands on jails. The bill also would increase the maximum fine to $500 for a first violation and to $1,000 for repeat violations. Any associated increase in fine revenue would be dedicated to public libraries.
Date Completed: 2-16-16 Fiscal Analyst: Ryan Bergan
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.