AUGUSTA — A new bill to require all motorcyclists to wear helmets in Maine has been referred to committee.

Lawmakers on Tuesday sent Rep. Paulette Beaudoin’s bill to the Transportation Committee. The Biddeford Democrat introduced a similar bill in 2009, but it was rejected.

Current Maine law requires motorcyclists under 18 years old to wear a helmet when driving or riding as a passenger. The law also applies to motorcyclists operating under a learner’s permit or within one year of completing a driving test.

Beaudoin’s bill requires all operators and passengers of motorcycles to wear protective helmets, restoring a law that was repealed in the late 1970s.

Lawmakers also referred to committee Beaudoin’s bill to prohibit the use of a handheld mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.