Motorcycle only checkpoints.

From June 14 to 22, hundreds of motorcyclists from New Hampshire and all over the United States streamed into Laconia for an experience of vendors, entertainment, contests, and scenic summer views during the 91st Annual Laconia Motorcycle Week.  As these motorcycle enthusiasts flood New Hampshire businesses each year, boosting the state's economy while they enjoy a good time, it becomes evident that motorcycle events like these are important to both the economy and the culture of any state in which they occur.  So why is the United States Government acting in a way that wastes tax dollars to single out motorcyclists heading to events like this all over the country by funding motorcycle-only checkpoints.

The American Motorcyclist Association began tracking motorcycle-only checkpoints when they first appeared in New York in 2009.  Functioning like sobriety checkpoints, motorcycle-only checkpoints allow law enforcement to pull over motorcyclists without cause, for an on-the-spot safety, license, and helmet inspection.  These checkpoints have spiked controversy as opponents claim invasion of privacy and discrimination of motorcyclists from the operators of other motor vehicles.  In 2011, $70,000 in federal funding was granted to states for these motorcycle-only checkpoints, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) voicing concerns about fatalities among United States motorcyclists. 

States with large populations of motorcyclists and worries of government overreach have stood up to motorcycle-only checkpoints.  The American Motorcyclist Association reports that California, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia, and New Hampshire have legally prohibited the use of federal funding towards motorcycle-only checkpoints, and 11 other states have prohibited motorcycle only checkpoints through statute and/or judicial action.  In March, New Hampshire Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D) and Kelly Ayotte (R) were part of a bipartisan effort to introduce Senate Bill 2078, the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act, which would prohibit the NHTSA from issuing grants to states for motorcycle-only checkpoints for one year.  Other sponsors of the bill were Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).  

Although New Hampshire has already taken steps to prohibit motorcycle-only checkpoints within the state, Senators Ayotte and Shaheen recognize the importance of motorcyclists to the New Hampshire culture and economy and understand that they are important in the same ways to other states.  They have stood up against what they believe to be an unfair practice and a waste of taxpayer dollars throughout the country.

Shaheen commented that "these checkpoints unfairly discriminate against motorcyclists who already must comply with registration and inspection requirements like all motorists."  It is true that motorcyclists are already subject to these registration, licensing, and inspection laws like other motorists, and also must participate in sobriety checkpoints with other motor vehicle operators.  In addition, motorcycle riders must comply with helmet laws, which vary by state.  With motorcyclists already under the jurisdiction of laws which apply to all motorists, the singling out of motorcyclists at motorcycle-only checkpoints is excessive.

Opponents of motorcycle-only checkpoints have voiced that they believe the checkpoints are an invasion of individual liberties.  Although the United States Supreme Court ruled sobriety checkpoints to be Constitutional in Michigan Department of State Police Vs. Sitz, cases similar to this in which vehicles of any kind are pulled over without cause for suspicion are regarded by many as an infringement of 4th Amendment rights.

The Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act is a step in the right direction when it comes to states' economies, the use of taxpayer dollars, and individual liberties.  Although New Hampshire has already prohibited the use of federal dollars for this purpose within the state, Granite-Staters can voice support for the bill sponsored by their senators to end this practice around the country.