New Virginia Law Prohibits Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints

Shift518 Automotive
1

Now they will have to ride with those totally unsafe license plate mount and slip-on exhaust. :rofl

New Virginia Law Prohibits Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints
Mar 06, 2012, ©Copyright 2012, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

From a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association:

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – In a victory for motorcyclists, Virginia is the latest state to bar motorcycle-only checkpoints, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

On Feb. 28, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law H.B. 187, which was introduced by Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah). The new law, which takes effect July 1, prohibits law enforcement agencies from establishing checkpoints where the only vehicles subject to inspection are motorcycles.

The measure was introduced after the Arlington County Police Department set up a motorcycle-only checkpoint during the Rolling Thunder ride on May 28, 2011, that brings awareness to prisoner of war/missing in action (POW/MIA) issues.

Similar laws have been enacted in New Hampshire and North Carolina.

“Officials say they set up these motorcycle-only checkpoints to pull over motorcyclists to check for safety violations,” said Rick Podliska, a Virginia resident and AMA deputy director of government relations. “But if officials are really concerned about motorcyclists’ safety, then they need to stop discriminating against us with these checkpoints and start supporting programs that prevent motorcycle crashes, such as rider safety training and driver awareness programs.”

The AMA opposes motorcycle-only checkpoints and has been tracking the discriminatory practice since it first appeared in New York several years ago.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

2

Good, now tell this to NY troopers pulling every biker over on mandatory bike checkpoints during Americade.

Glad to see small victories though.

3

Even still though they can set up a checkpoint outside of a large bike rally and still essentially have a motorcycle checkpoint. Sure there will be cars here and there passing through but the majority of the vehicles would still be motorcycles.

4

EXACTLY this.

Its not the police’s fault that on that day, on that road it happens to be 10000 motorcycles to ever 100 cars passing through a check point. And it not like there is some contraption that grabs you by the subframe and lifts you and your bike out of the flow of vehicles through the check point and segregates your GSXR from a Prius.

The only thing it will do is not allow them to be stupid and put up a sign that says “motorcycle check point ahead” or something like that. hell they can still have 2 lanes, and some cop pointing cars to the left and bikes to the right… then just call it “being efficient” or some shit and beat around the bush to justify it.

Cool idea. but I put money on there is still a check point this year.

5

True but it at least helps curb blatant targeting of motorcyclists. It also sets precedent for future instances of police anti-motorcycle conduct which may be later deemed unconstitutional

6

You simply can’t put a price on safety.

A license plate mount that makes your license plate harder to see by cops will give you cancer, they are trying to safe your life! :rofl