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BE AWAKE …  Candidates usually walk the legislative districts in which they are running, in order to meet the people who live there, and to get their views on the various issues of the day.  If you have someone come to your home, talk to them about motorcycle rights, and then let us know so we can pass along the info.


HI everyone!

BE AWARE – 6.27.2023

NEW AMENDMENT TO ACT 300 IS IN EFFECT

Act 300 of 1949, has been amended to prohibit the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Beginning this Friday, June 30th, Section 257.602b goes into effect, and on that day it will become a civil infraction to use your cell phone, or any other hand-held electronic devices, while driving. Using an automated hands free system is ok, but remember this new law allows primary enforcement. Which means LEOs do not need any other reason to stop you; if they see a driver using a cell phone behind the wheel they can pull that person over & issue a $100 ticket. A 2nd offense will cost you $250 & 24 hours of community service. 3 offenses & you are off to driver reeducation school! If you are at fault in an accident that happened while you were talking/ texting, fines & service time are doubled! If you are driving a commercial vehicle & get pulled over for talking/texting on your phone, 1st offense is $200 & 2nd is $500. Remember, this starts on Friday so program your hands free systems & familiarize yourself with how they work so you don’t get a needless hassle from the boys in blue!

Last but not least, I’m hoping this amendment might get some of those folks who never pay attention to their driving because they are always too busy on their phones, to put them down & start paying attention. I’m hoping some brothers & sisters will be spared the trauma of being run over by a fool yakking away, or texting, on a cell phone. I’m hoping more people will Look Twice & Save A Life!!

This is a link to a study, conducted by the Consumer Federation of America & the Center for Economic Justice, which shows MI auto insurers overcharged MI policy holders by $1 BILLION in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, when miles traveled on MI roads was at an all time low.  Accidents also were way down. 

This study can be used when contacting elected reps & asking for SB-5330 AND SB-5331 to be passed WITH the amendment that motorcyclists are not restricted to the insurance limits of the car that hit them. — This is proof insurance rates are not “being reduced” as SB1 promised. 

 
I encourage all members to use this information to hammer committee members to get SB5332  up for a committee vote!
 
THANK YOU!!!!!
 
If anybody has any questions, or comments, or wants to discuss a candidate they’ve had contact with, send me an email at:  ajacob254@gmail.com.

Alice Jacob

Legislative Officer/Motorcycle Awareness Director
Region 11
ABATE of Michigan

FEDERAL LEGISLATION:  please see the MRF site here.

Of particular note to us is the following from MRF:

You gotta fight for your right to repair – SUPPORT FEDERAL bill H.R. 906!

Do you enjoy working on your motorcycle? Do you want to guarantee access to the parts, tools and service information needed to modify, service and maintain your bike? If you answered yes to these questions, it’s time to contact your member of the House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 906, the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act” or the “REPAIR Act”.

The REPAIR Act ensures that vehicle owners or repair shops are not denied access to the information, software or tools needed to work on vehicles. The proposed law also establishes rules regarding vehicle data access. This commonsense law will help preserve consumer choice and a fair marketplace.

As of July 1st, 32 members of the House of Representatives have signed on in support. That is twice as many as were on the bill before the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) held its Bikers Insider the Beltway event in May! The MRF is making a difference, let’s keep up the pressure!  

Congress returns to Washington D.C. Tuesday, after a two-week break. That makes it the perfect time to contact your lawmaker and tell them you support H.R. 906. 

Click here to contact your member of Congress and make a difference in D.C. 

 [mjc]