Additional motorcycle lights considered

Motorcyclists would be permitted to display additional lights on their motorcycles under a bill heard by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee Feb. 25.

LB667, introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, would allow motorcyclists to display
light-emitting diodes (LED) on a motorcycle. Current law prohibits the use of red or green lights that are visible from the front of any vehicle except police and fire department vehicles or school buses.

Krist said he brought the bill on behalf of a constituent who had been ticketed by law enforcement for using multi-colored lights on his motorcycle. Krist said he agreed with the rider that making a motorcycle more visible is a good idea.

“To see a motorcycle is to avoid it,” Krist said.

Joe Jones, a motorcycle rider from Omaha, testified in support of the bill. He said his motorcycle is very quiet so he relies on additional LED lights to enable drivers to notice him. Jones said he should not be ticketed for using a safety feature that does not impede other drivers.

“I wouldn’t be here if I thought having those lights on my bike was going to endanger someone else,” he said.

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on LB667.