Legislature poised to approve ban on street racing, stunt riding on public roadways

The legislation to crack down on stunt riding and street racing on public thoroughfares stipulates that motorcyclists must have an M1 or M2 endorsement, as established in the regulations of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, in order to renew their vehicle’s license plate. (Facebook via Las Voces Del Sur Oficial)

By The Star Staff

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman José “Cheito” Hernández Concepción announced Thursday that the legislative body is preparing to approve House Bill 375 this coming Monday, which completely prohibits competitive street racing, speed contests, acceleration contests, and stunts or maneuvers, such as wheelies, stoppies, burnouts, or any similar activity on state and municipal highways.

“Yesterday [Wednesday], I had a conversation with the Speaker of the House, Carlos ‘Johnny’ Méndez, about the urgency of approving House Bill 375 in light of the indiscriminate use of our streets and highways by a small group of motorcyclists to perform stunts that endanger the lives of citizens,” the San Juan District 3 lawmaker said. “Given this, next Monday the House will consider this measure , which is a step toward providing safety for our people on the island’s roads.”

The legislation stipulates that, in the case of motorcycles, it will be mandatory to have an M1 or M2 endorsement, as established in the regulations of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, in order to renew the license plate.

“On May 10, we will have an event at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan so that motorcyclists who wish to do so can complete their paperwork with the Department of Transportation and Public Works to obtain M1 and M2 endorsements,” Hernández said. “This is part of our effort to assist the vast majority of motorcyclists who comply with all the parameters of the law. This is something we will do in other municipalities.”

The bill, which follows a series of public hearings held by Hernández under House Resolution 85, also establishes that any person who violates the provisions of the ban will be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, will be punished with a fixed fine of $5,000 and their driver’s license will be suspended for six months.

The measure amends Articles 1.111-A, 2.14, 5.06, 10.15, and 10.16 of Act No. 22-2000, the “Puerto Rico Vehicle and Traffic Law,” to update regulations related to the use of all-terrain vehicles, update the motorcycle license plate renewal procedure, and prohibit dangerous activities such as racing and stunt maneuvers on public roads.