Letter from Gov. Rick Snyder

I received a letter today from the executive office of the Governor of MI.
Dear George Fischer

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding Michigan's motorcycle helmet law. I am pleased to provide you with a final update on this legislation.

Senate Bill 291, sponsored by state Sen. Phil Pavlov, lets motorcyclists choose whether to wear a helmet if they are at least 21 years old, carry additional insuranceand have passed a motorcycle safety course or have had their motorcycle endorsment for at least two years. Motorcycle passengers who want excercise this option, also must be 21 or older and carry additional insurance. The legislation was approved with bipartisan support. The legislation which I signed on Thursday, April 12th, is now Public Act 98 of 2012.

While many motorcyclists will continue to wear helmets, those who choose not to deserve the latitude to make their own informed judgments - as long as they meet the requirements of the new law. There is no substitute for proper training, education and awareness when it comes to operating any motor vehicle. We must continue working together to keep our roads safe by making sure that everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car or on a motorcycle has the proper skills. Traffic safety is a responsibility shared by all motorists.

Michigan origanally implemented its helmet-use law in 1967 to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation requirements for federal funds. That requirement is no longer in place. With this change Michigan joins the Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconson, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania that have repealed or amended helmet-use laws to give riders a choice. A detailed description of the bill may be found online at www.legislare.mi.gov.

Thank you again for your recent correspondence. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this or any state-related matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office by telephone at 517-335-7858.

   Sincerley
   Rick Synder
   Governor