HB1539 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB098 04305 MLW 34332 b

98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2013 and 2014
HB1539

Introduced , by Rep. Kenneth Dunkin

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/11-203	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-203
625 ILCS 5/11-203.5 new

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Adds a provision allowing the Secretary of State to certify individuals as Motorcycle Road Guards. Provides that Motorcycle Road Guards are empowered to stop and direct traffic for the purpose of protecting and facilitating a motorcycle group ride. Provides minimum qualifications for certification as a Motorcycle Road Guard. Empowers the Secretary of State to adopt additional requirements and regulations for the implementation and enforcement of this Section. Amends the provision on obedience to traffic control officers to include Motorcycle Road Guards as an authority that vehicular traffic must obey. Effective July 1, 2013.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning transportation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Section 11-203 and by adding Section 11-203.5 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/11-203) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-203)

Sec. 11-203. Obedience to police officers. No person shall wilfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer, fireman, motorcycle road guard, or school crossing guard invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic. Any person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a petty offense and shall be subject to a mandatory fine of $150.

(Source: P.A. 90-749, eff. 1-1-99.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-203.5 new)

Sec. 11-203.5. Motorcycle road guards.

(a) A person may act as a motorcycle road guard if the person:

(1) holds a motorcycle road guard certificate issued by the Secretary of State;

(2) meets the safety and equipment standards for operating as a motorcycle road guard set by the Secretary of State;

(3) is escorting a motorcycle group ride;

(4) has notified the county and municipality, home rule or otherwise, through which the motorcycle group is proceeding; and

(5) has obtained consent to act as a motorcycle road guard from local law enforcement in the county and municipality through which the motorcycle group is proceeding.

(b) A person acting as a motorcycle road guard under subsection (a) of this Section may stop and hold vehicles in place until it is safe for the vehicles to proceed, and may direct operators of motor vehicles, including motorcycles within a motorcycle group ride, contrary to the indications of any traffic-control device, including stop signs or traffic-control signals.

(c) Certification. The Secretary of State shall:

(1) establish qualifications and requirements for a person to obtain a motorcycle road guard certificate under this Section, which shall include:

(A) a minimum 18 years of age;

(B) possession of a valid driver's license with motorcycle classification;

(C) successful completion of a motorcycle road guard certification course; and

(D) any other qualifications the Secretary deems appropriate;

(2) develop and offer, whether by Secretary of State employees or authorized third parties, a motorcycle road guard certification course; and

(3) establish safety and equipment standards for a person who operates under a motorcycle road guard certificate, including but not limited to specifying requirements for a reflective safety vest.

(d) The Secretary of State shall assess a fee for each applicant for a motorcycle road guard certificate, calculated to cover the cost of establishing and administering the program.

(e) The Secretary of State may adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this Section.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1, 2013.