National and Regional News 

Sacramento, Calif. — The California Department of Motor Vehicles is requesting stakeholder input via informal written feedback on proposed draft regulatory language that offers the nation’s most comprehensive standards for the operation of heavy-duty autonomous vehicles (AVs) weighing 10,001 pounds or more. These draft regulations will also update existing rules for the testing and deployment of light-duty AVs on California’s public roads.

The draft regulations, located on the DMV website, are designed with a focus on establishing the highest safety standards. The formal process will also include notice of proposed regulations and an opportunity for public comment. The draft language is not a formal regulatory proposal.
This draft regulatory language reflects the department’s continued interest in creating a framework that facilitates the safe testing and deployment of autonomous technology on public roads, addresses public safety and encourages innovation.

The draft regulatory language is intended only to encourage public feedback and is not a formal regulatory proposal. Please submit any input regarding the potential draft regulatory language to AutonomousVehicles@dmv.ca.gov, no later than Oct. 14. Submissions must include the name of the person or organization; the department will not accept anonymous feedback. Please do not include any sensitive personally identifying information such as social security number, driver’s license number or financial account number on the request. All input received is a part of the public record and may be publicly accessible.

State News

Anchorage, Alaska — The Bureau of Land Management’s Alaska Resource Advisory Council is seeking nominations to fill two existing vacancies. The RAC provides advice and recommendations to the BLM on land use planning and management of the National System of Public Lands within its geographic area. 

The BLM is seeking nominations for individuals in the following two categories: 

• Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreational activities; archaeological and historical interests; or nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups.  

• Hold state, county or local elected office; are employed by a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land, or water; represent Native American tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; are employed as academicians in natural resource management or the natural sciences; or represent the affected public-at-large. 

All nominations must be received no later than Oct. 28. Nominations and completed applications should be sent to Azure Hall, BLM Alaska State Office, 222 West 7th Ave. #13, Anchorage, AK 99513; phone: (907) 271-5960; email: ahall@blm.gov.

For further information, visit federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/26/2024-21954/call-for-nominations-for-the-alaska-resource-advisory-council or contact BLM Alaska Communications Director Emma Roach at (907) 271-5960 or eroach@blm.gov. 

Tucson, Ariz. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is inviting public feedback on proposed changes to fee structures at several campgrounds and recreation areas. In particular, the Tucson Field Office is looking at new fees that could impact the local OHV community.

Among the options under consideration are a new fee of $10 per vehicle for day use and $15 per vehicle per night for camping in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The plan could also affect other popular areas, including the Gila River Recreation Sites, the Ironwood Forest National Monument and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Comments are due by Oct. 21. 

Sacramento, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Senate Bill 708 into law on Sept. 22, which created a much-needed off-highway competition vehicle permit program after the California Air Resources Board ended the previous Red Sticker Program in 2021. Introduced by California Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego), Senate Bill 708 passed through both houses with bipartisan support.

With the ending of the Red Sticker Program, there was a void regarding the identification process of newer models in off-road competition, leading to widespread confusion among land management agencies and sanctioning bodies to correctly identify those vehicles at sanctioned competition events held on public lands in the state.

The AMA thanks its California members, especially in District 36, for their advocacy regarding this important issue. Their efforts over the past three years played a key role in the passage of this legislation. In addition to the new permit program, Senate Bill 708 will also restore fees that were lost when the Red Sticker Program ended in 2021. Those new funds will go to support event-related costs, including trail maintenance and conservation.

Also, Senate Bill 961 that would have required new cars to alert drivers if they exceed the speed limit was vetoed by the governor, who cited federal laws that already dictate vehicle safety standards. If adopted, California would have become the first to require such systems for all new cars, trucks and buses sold in the state starting in 2030.  

Opponents, including automotive groups and the state Chamber of Commerce, said such regulations should be decided by the federal government, which earlier this year established new requirements for automatic emergency braking to curb traffic deaths. Republican lawmakers also said the proposal could make cars more expensive and distract drivers.

Olympia, Wash. — The Recreation and Conservation (RCO) Funding Board has recently increased the amount of money a grant applicant may request in the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities program. That program funds the purchase, development and maintenance of facilities for backcountry recreation as well as education and enforcement activities. RCO is accepting applications until Oct. 31.

The grant limit was raised from $150,000 for maintenance and operation projects to $200,000 for projects in the nonhighway road and nonmotorized categories and from $200,000 to $250,000 in the off-road vehicle category and the education and enforcement category. The process also was changed and will be a written evaluation with a live question and answer period.

In addition to the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities and education and enforcement grants, RCO also is accepting grant applications for projects that rehabilitate and maintain trails that offer a backcountry experience through the Recreational Trails Program applications until Oct. 31.

International News

The Hague, Netherlands — In a large-scale operation to halt the influx of fatbikes that do not meet the legal requirements of an e-bike or a moped, Dutch authorities seized a total of 16,500 fatbikes. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate reports the fatbikes are in fact illegal mopeds and originate from several Chinese manufacturers.

The unapproved mopeds with the styling of a fatbike, were supposedly offered for sale as an e-bike. However, they did not comply with the type approval regulations for a moped. In the Netherlands riding these vehicles requires a license plate, third-party insurance, helmet and driving license. The seizure is part of the investigation the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate has been conducting since July. They halted the import into the port of Rotterdam, while another 1,000 unapproved mopeds were found in a distribution center of a Dutch supplier.

AMA News

Pickerington, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is set to induct five outstanding motorcyclists to its hallowed halls on Oct. 10, with Mike Lafferty, Debbie Matthews, Mat Mladin, Rob Rasor and Kevin Windham all being honored for their devotion to furthering motorcycling in America. But the fun doesn’t stop there! AMA Hall of Fame Days, running Oct. 10-13, is jampacked with exciting opportunities for motorcyclists — including the AMA Hall of Fame Heritage Adventure Ride, AMA Hall of Fame Bike Night, pit bike racing and more!

The AMA Hall of Fame Days event is a multi-day celebration that is headlined each year by the annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Featuring a full four days jam-packed with memorable motorcycle activities, Hall of Fame Days has become a can’t-miss event with a range of fun activities for the whole family. Along with the induction ceremony, the public is encouraged to register for a number of exciting activities, including an adventure ride, bike night and pitbike moto scrambles, to name but a few. Visit Hall of Fame Days for the complete schedule and event sign up information. 

Also, as the American Motorcyclist Association prepares to welcome five new members to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Oct. 10, Powersports World TV has joined on as the official livestream sponsor for the induction ceremony. Founded in 2021, the National Powersports Dealership Association aids franchised and independent powersports dealerships nationwide through special services, products, programs, education and advocacy.

In addition to its efforts at the dealer level, the NPDA has recently launched Powersports World TV, which covers all things powersports through live events, movies, interviews and shows. The 2024 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be played on the channel following the event.

For more information on Powersports World TV, visit npda.org/tv

Also, for the sixth time since 2017, the AMA U.S. ATV Motocross Team emerged victorious at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Quadcross of Nations, beating out the competitive field in the Czech Republic on Sept. 28-29.

The trio of Bryce Ford, Joel Hetrick and Brandon Hoag each registered podium finishes during the weekend of competition — with Ford claiming a pair of wins, while Hetrick won the Group A + B race. Hoag raced his way to two second place finishes as well, helping the U.S. go 1-2 on the podium in the first two races of the event.

Sparked by his pair of wins, Ford secured the best individual performance of the event. Team USA held off efforts from Team Netherlands and Team Italy, who joined the American riders on the podium, to claim the overall victory. The United States has claimed six of the last seven FIM Quadcross of Nations titles, with Team Ireland’s 2021 victory being the only blemish on America’s run of dominance over the event in recent years

* * * * *

AMA News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association. Designed to inform motorcyclists of rights-related issues and events in the United States and around the world, AMA News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and editorial contributions can be sent to AMA Director of Communications Matthew Miles at mmiles@ama-cycle.org.

Sign up and stay informed: AMA News & Notes keeps motorcyclists up to date on hot topics, news affecting the motorcycling community and opportunities to communicate with elected officials. Click here to check the “Sign me up for News & Notes” box.

AMA Action Alerts notify motorcyclists when and how to make a difference on important issues. Click here to see the most recent AMA Action Alerts, or to sign up and receive them.

Readers also may sign up for other AMA e-newsletters, including Hall of Fame Insider, which focuses on the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. To subscribe, click here.

Protect your right to ride! Volunteering is easy, and it’s rewarding. To learn how you can help, email us at grassroots@ama-cycle.org.