By Bob Katzen

Also currently tied up in the Bills in Third Reading Committee, after receiving House approval in March, is legislation that would ban checkpoint safety stops that are based on the type of vehicle or adornment of the vehicle and/or its operator. Current federal law bans the usage of federal funds to conduct motorcycle-only checkpoints.

“This legislation is intended to clarify that motorcycles should be held to the same standards as other vehicles when it comes to vehicle checkpoints,” said the measure’s sponsor Rep. Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) when the bill was approved in March. “Roadway safety checkpoints should apply fairly to all vehicles on the roadway and not single out any specific type of vehicle, including motorcycles.”