Diamond State Riders | Motorcycle Enthusiasts in Arkansas

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Arkansas Code (Non annotated) > Title 27. Transportation. > Subtitle 4. Motor Vehicular Traffic. > Chapter 52. Traffic-Control Devices. > Subchapter 2. Uniform System. > 27-52-206. Exception for motorcycles.
	Act 1886 of the Regular Session April 8, 2005
State of Arkansas 85 ^th General Assembly Regular Session, 2005 By: Representative Pate	A BILL	HOUSE BILL 2833
	For An Act to Be Entitled
AN ACT TO ALLOW THE DRIVERS OF MOTORCYCLES TO PROCEED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION CONTROLLED BY A TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE ONLY IF THE TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE USES A VEHICLE SENSOR THAT FAILS TO DETECT THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE OF ITS SIZE OR WEIGHT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
	Subtitle
TO ALLOW THE DRIVERS OF MOTORCYCLES TO PROCEED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION CONTROLLED BY A TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE UNDER LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1. Arkansas Code Title 27, Chapter 52, Subchapter 2 is amended to add an additional section to read as follows:

27-52-206. Exception for motorcycles.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a driver of a motorcycle approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control device, the driver may proceed through the intersection on a red light only if:
The traffic-control device uses a vehicle sensor; The vehicle sensor has failed to detect the motorcycle because of the motorcycle's size or weight; and; The driver: Comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection; Exercises due care as provided by law; and Proceeds with caution through the intersection when it is safe to do so. Approved: 04/08/2005 History. Acts 2005, No. 1886, § 1.

Headlight Modulator Federal Law

S7.9.4 Motorcycle headlamp modulation system

S7.9.4.1 A headlamp on a motorcycle may be wired to modulate either the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a lesser intensity provided that:

(a) The rate of modulation shall be 240 plus-or-minus 40 cycles per minute.

(b) The headlamp shall be operated at maximum power for 50 to 70 percent of each cycle.

(c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall not be less than 17 percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.

(d) The modulator switch shall be wired in the power lead of the beam filament being modulated and not in the ground side of the circuit.

(e) Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper beam remain operable in the event of a modulator failure.

(f) The system shall include a sensor mounted with the axis of its sensing element perpendicular to a horizontal plane. Headlamp modulation shall cease whenever the level of light emitted by a tungsten filament light operating at 3000 degrees Kelvin is either less than 270 lux (25 foot-candles) of direct light for upward pointing sensors or less than 60 lux (5.6 foot-candles) of reflected light for downward pointing sensors. This light is measured by a silicon cell type light meter that is located at the sensor and pointing in the same direction as the sensor. A Kodak Gray Card (Kodak R-27) is placed at ground level to simulate the road surface in testing downward pointing sensors.

(g) When tested in accordance with the test profile shown in Figure 9, the voltage drop across the modulator when the lamp is on at all test conditions for 12 volt systems and 6 volt systems shall not be greater than .45 volt. The modulator shall meet all of the provisions of the standard after completion of the test profile shown in Figure 9.

(h) Means shall be provided so that both the lower and upper beam function at design voltage when the headlamp control switch is in either the lower or upper beam position when the modulator is off.

S7.9.4.2

(a) Each motorcycle headlamp modulator not intended as original equipment, or its container, shall be labeled with the maximum wattage, and the minimum wattage appropriate for its use. Additionally, each such modulator shall comply with S7.9.4.1 (a) through (g) when connected to a headlamp of the maximum rated power and a headlamp of the minimum rated power, and shall provide means so that the modulated beam functions at design voltage when the modulator is off.

(b) Instructions, with a diagram, shall be provided for mounting the light sensor including location on the motorcycle, distance above the road surface, and orientation with respect to the light.

Supporting Documents

The complete legal government web site version from the National Archives and Records Administration: HERE

How to get an Arkansas Motorcycle License

Ready to take your motorcycle on the open road? This article will take you through the steps to get your Arkansas motorcycle license with an extra emphasis on safe driving.

The Rules

Under Arkansas DMV guidelines, anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit.

Applicants must be 16 years of age, pass the motorcycle knowledge test, a sign test and a vision screening. The final step is to pass the motorcycle skills test where you will demonstrate your competency in motorcycle operation.

Like most states, Arkansas will waive your skills test and issue you a license if you complete an approved basic motorcycle rider safety course within ninety days prior to application. These courses last anywhere from two to six weeks and include classroom instruction as well as driver training in a controlled, off-street environment. When you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible for your motorcycle driver's license without having to take your state's road test.

Prepare for the Written Exam

The Arkansas DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.

All motorcyclists are encouraged to study for this written test so you don't take a chance on standing in line at the DMV Office only to go home empty-handed.

Paperwork

Before you head to the Arkansas DMV Office, make sure you have the following required documents to get your motorcycle license. Examples include:

Birth certificate issued in any state
Drivers license or instruction permit issued in another state
U.S. passport
U.S. military ID card (active duty, retired, reserve)
Arkansas ID card
Social Security Number, if issued,
Documents from a court of record
Marriage certificate
Parental Consent Form if under age 18

On the Road

Once your licensing requirements have been met, a Class M endorsement will be added to your driver's license. Remember... the safe operation of a motorcycle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the operator, the machine, and the environment.

Other Laws and Information

Arkansas DMV Driver's Manual and Test Study Guide in PDF format is HERE.

Arkansas motorcycle registration & licensing information - information regarding registration & motorcycle endorsements in the State of Arkansas can be found HERE.

Arkansas Motorcycle Helmet Law HERE.

A publication is distributed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the interest of information exchange regarding the repeal of Arkansas and Texas Helmet Lawa in PDF format can be found HERE.