Jake
March 18th, 2004, 06:25 AM
Three new laws passed the Oregon legislature last year that will allow motorcyclists to become more visible to other highway users.
"Visibility is especially important for motorcyclists," said Stan Porter, manager of Motorcycle Safety and Vehicle Safety Standards Programs for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Effective January 1st, the three new changes are:
-- Motorcyclists can now use three headlights on their motorcycles; whereas in the past, two was the maximum allowed.
-- Motorcyclists will also be able to use auxiliary lights, either fog lights or driving lights, at all times if the auxiliary lights are no brighter than the headlight and the auxiliary lights are aimed correctly. All other vehicles in Oregon must turn off their auxiliary lights during times when the law requires drivers to dim their high beam headlights.
-- Motorcyclists may use an intermittent pulsing or flashing brake light, as long as the flashing does not interfere with the rear turn signal function.
These new regulations were passed at the request of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Motorcycle Safety, the Oregon State Police Motorcycle Unit, the TEAM OREGON Motorcycle Safety Program and by Oregon motorcyclists.
"All three of these new laws will allow the motorcyclist to be more easily seen by other highway users," Porter said. "The addition of one more headlight and the use of auxiliary lights at all times will allow the motorcyclist to see better at night and during times of limited visibility. The flashing brake light will certainly gain the attention of those highway users behind motorcyclists."
Porter added, "The Legislature was very supportive of enhancing the ability of motorcyclists to become more visible to other highway users. With the help of legislators that are motorcyclists themselves, these new options were passed and signed by Governor Ted Kulongoski."
"Visibility is especially important for motorcyclists," said Stan Porter, manager of Motorcycle Safety and Vehicle Safety Standards Programs for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Effective January 1st, the three new changes are:
-- Motorcyclists can now use three headlights on their motorcycles; whereas in the past, two was the maximum allowed.
-- Motorcyclists will also be able to use auxiliary lights, either fog lights or driving lights, at all times if the auxiliary lights are no brighter than the headlight and the auxiliary lights are aimed correctly. All other vehicles in Oregon must turn off their auxiliary lights during times when the law requires drivers to dim their high beam headlights.
-- Motorcyclists may use an intermittent pulsing or flashing brake light, as long as the flashing does not interfere with the rear turn signal function.
These new regulations were passed at the request of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Motorcycle Safety, the Oregon State Police Motorcycle Unit, the TEAM OREGON Motorcycle Safety Program and by Oregon motorcyclists.
"All three of these new laws will allow the motorcyclist to be more easily seen by other highway users," Porter said. "The addition of one more headlight and the use of auxiliary lights at all times will allow the motorcyclist to see better at night and during times of limited visibility. The flashing brake light will certainly gain the attention of those highway users behind motorcyclists."
Porter added, "The Legislature was very supportive of enhancing the ability of motorcyclists to become more visible to other highway users. With the help of legislators that are motorcyclists themselves, these new options were passed and signed by Governor Ted Kulongoski."