Report Title:

Mopeds; Helmets

Description:

Requires helmet use by all moped drivers.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	782
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO USE OF SAFETY HELMETS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that helmet use while driving a moped significantly reduces the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries.  Drivers of mopeds are particularly vulnerable to head injuries in accidents.  Head injuries commonly result in permanent injury or death or in profound and disabling physical and mental effects which can be costly.  This measure is intended to protect the health and safety of a population susceptible to avoidable crippling injuries and a lifetime of regret, if they survive.  Act 63, Session Laws of Hawaii 2006, required drivers of mopeds who are less than eighteen years of age to wear a safety helmet while driving.  The legislature finds that persons of all ages should be required to wear a safety helmet when operating a moped.

     The purpose of this Act is to require all moped drivers to wear safety helmets while operating a moped.

     SECTION 2.  Section 291C-195, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  No person less than fifteen years of age shall drive a moped on a highway, street, roadway, or any other public property in the State.  No person [less than eighteen years of age] shall drive a moped unless the person wears a safety helmet securely fastened with a chin strap.  The safety helmet shall meet the specifications and requirements established by rules adopted by the director."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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