H.B. 40

1

MOTORCYCLE RIDER EDUCATION PROGRAM
2 AMENDMENTS
3 2009 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Bradley M. Daw
6 Senate Sponsor: Scott K. Jenkins
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 Committee Note:
10 The Transportation Interim Committee recommended this bill.
11 General Description:
12 This bill modifies the Uniform Driver License Act by amending provisions relating to
13 the motorcycle rider education program.
14 Highlighted Provisions:
15 This bill:
16 . provides that a person who is at least 15 years 6 months of age and has been issued
17 a learner permit may enroll in and complete a motorcycle rider training course if the
18 course is conducted on a closed course that:
19 . is not conducted on a public highway;
20 . is approved by the Driver License Division; and
21 . meets or exceeds established national standards for motorcycle rider training
22 courses prescribed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation; and
23 . makes technical changes.
24 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
25 None
26 Other Special Clauses:
27 None

28 Utah Code Sections Affected:
29 AMENDS:
30 53-3-903, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
31
32 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
33 Section 1. Section 53-3-903 is amended to read:
34 53-3-903. Motorcycle Rider Education Program.
35 (1) (a) The division shall develop standards for and administer the Motorcycle Rider
36 Education Program.
37 (b) The division shall make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah
38 Administrative Rulemaking Act, to implement this chapter.
39 (2) The program shall include:
40 (a) a novice rider training course;
41 (b) a rider training course for experienced riders; and
42 (c) an instructor training course.
43 (3) The division may expand the program to include:
44 (a) enhancing public awareness of motorcycle riders;
45 (b) increasing the awareness of motorcycle riders of the effects of alcohol and drugs;
46 (c) motorcycle rider skills improvement;
47 (d) program and other motorcycle safety promotion; and
48 (e) improvement of motorcycle licensing efforts.
49 (4) (a) [Rider] Subject to the restriction in Subsection (4)(b), rider training courses
50 shall be open to all residents of the state who:
51 (i) are at least 15 years 6 months of age; and
52 (ii) either hold a valid [driver's] learner permit or driver license for any classification or
53 are eligible for a [temporary] motorcycle [learner's] learner permit.
54 (b) A person who has been issued a learner permit may enroll in and complete a rider
55 training course if the course is conducted on a closed course that:
56 (i) is not conducted on a public highway;
57 (ii) is approved by the division; and
58 (iii) meets or exceeds established national standards for motorcycle rider training

59 courses prescribed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
60 [(b)] (c) An adequate number of novice rider training courses shall be provided to meet
61 the reasonably anticipated needs of all persons in the state who are eligible and who desire to
62 participate in the program.
63 [(c)] (d) Program delivery may be phased in over a reasonable period of time.
64 (5) (a) The division may enter into contracts with either public or private institutions to
65 provide a rider training course approved by the division.
66 (b) The institution shall issue certificates of completion in the manner and form
67 prescribed by the director to persons who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the
68 course.
69 (c) An institution conducting a rider training course may charge a reasonable tuition fee
70 to cover the cost of offering the course.
71 (d) (i) The division may use program funds to defray its own expenses in administering
72 the program.
73 (ii) The division may reimburse entities that offer approved courses for actual expenses
74 incurred in offering the courses, up to a limit established by the division based upon available
75 program funds.
76 (iii) Any reimbursement paid to an entity must be entirely reflected by the entity in
77 reduced course enrollment fees for students.
78 (6) (a) Standards for the motorcycle rider training courses, including standards for
79 course curriculum, materials, and student evaluation, and standards for the training and
80 approval of instructors shall meet or exceed established national standards for motorcycle rider
81 training courses prescribed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
82 (b) Motorcycle rider training courses shall be taught only by instructors approved under
83 Section 53-3-904 .
84 (c) Motorcycle rider training courses for novices shall include at least eight hours of
85 practice riding.
86 (7) The commissioner shall appoint a full-time program coordinator to oversee and
87 direct the program.

Legislative Review Note
as of 11-4-08 11:13 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel