Concerning a requirement that a minor have written permission to obtain an instruction permit to drive a motorcycle.
Summary
HB26-1079 requires a minor under 18 to have written permission from a parent or legal guardian before the Colorado Department of Revenue may issue an instruction permit to drive a motorcycle. The bill expressly excludes emancipated minors from this requirement. It applies only to permit applications submitted on or after the bill’s effective date.
The measure is framed as a youth safety bill. Its legislative declaration cites Colorado motorcycle fatality and injury data, the vulnerability of minors, and the state’s interest in requiring stronger parental oversight for high-risk activities. The bill also notes that existing helmet requirements do not sufficiently address the risks of motorcycle operation by minors and that parental consent is intended to improve accountability and readiness before a young person rides on public roads.
Impact
The bill amends Colorado Revised Statutes section 42-2-106 governing instruction permits and temporary licenses by adding a motorcycle-specific consent requirement for minors. In practice, the Department of Revenue may no longer issue a motorcycle instruction permit to an applicant under 18 unless the applicant provides written parental or legal guardian permission, with an exception for emancipated minors. The change affects teen applicants, parents or guardians, and the state agency that processes driver licensing applications.
Sentiment
The available context suggests broad support for the bill’s public-safety rationale, and it was ultimately signed by the Governor. The bill’s findings emphasize severe motorcycle crash outcomes, especially for young riders, which indicates the measure was presented as a protective, preventive step rather than a punitive one. No committee transcript or recorded vote details were provided, so the record here does not show organized opposition in the available materials.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether parental or guardian written consent should be required for minors seeking motorcycle instruction permits, rather than allowing consent from a broader set of adults or relying on the existing licensing framework. Supporters appear to view the requirement as a necessary safeguard given the high fatality and injury rates for motorcycle riders and the developmental limitations of minors. Potential concerns, though not documented in the provided transcripts, would likely center on access for minors without available parents or guardians and whether the rule creates an additional barrier to lawful motorcycle training.