There is hereby created in the department of public safety the motorcycle safety and education program. The director of public safety shall administer the program in accordance with the following guidelines:

(A)

(1) The program shall include courses of instruction conducted at vocational schools, community colleges, or other suitable locations, by instructors who have obtained certification in the manner and form prescribed by the director. The courses shall meet standards established in rules adopted by the department in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The courses may include instruction for novice motorcycle operators, instruction in motorist awareness and alcohol and drug awareness, and any other kind of instruction the director considers appropriate. A reasonable tuition fee, as determined by the director, may be charged. The director may authorize private organizations or corporations to offer courses without tuition fee restrictions, but such entities are not eligible for reimbursement of expenses or subsidies from the motorcycle safety and education fund created in section 4501.13 of the Revised Code.

(2) The director shall do both of the following:

(a) Authorize private organizations or corporations to offer any nationally recognized motorcycle operator training courses or curriculum and any course established in accordance with division (A)(1) of this section;

(b) Permit an applicant for a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle who has completed any motorcycle operator training course or curriculum as authorized in division (A)(2)(a) of this section successfully within the preceding sixty days to be eligible for the examination waiver as described in division (B)(1) of section 4507.11 of the Revised Code.

(B) In addition to courses of instruction, the program may include provisions for equipment purchases, marketing and promotion, improving motorcycle license testing procedures, and any other provisions the director considers appropriate.

(C) The director shall evaluate the program every two years and shall periodically inspect the facilities, equipment, and procedures used in the courses of instruction.

(D) The director shall appoint at least one training specialist who shall oversee the operation of the program, establish courses of instruction, and supervise instructors. The training specialist shall be a licensed motorcycle operator and shall obtain certification in the manner and form prescribed by the director.

(E) The director may contract with other public agencies or with private organizations or corporations to assist in administering the program.

(F) Notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 102. of the Revised Code, the director, in order to administer the program, may participate in a motorcycle manufacturer's motorcycle loan program.

(G) The director shall contract with an insurance company or companies authorized to do business in this state to purchase a policy or policies of insurance with respect to the establishment or administration, or any other aspect of the operation of the program.

Amended by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 26, §101.01, eff. 6/30/2017.

Effective Date: 09-26-2003.