Sunday, July 18, 2010 Call it the revenge of “Easy Rider.” Myrtle Beach, due to a ruling by the S.C. Supreme Court, had to refund $14,000 collected in tickets from motorcyclists for not wearing helmets in violation of a city ordinance. The city lacks the authority to issue tickets for a practice that the state law allows, the court ruled. Its decision probably produced some hearty laughter among the bikers, who have periodically been at odds with city officials over loud, congesting motorcycle rallies. The city had to pay interest on the fines, as well. The ruling should remind the… Read the rest

As everyone knows the Supreme Court of South Carolina invalidated many of the anti-motorcyclists ordinances passed by the City of  Myrtle Beach .  However a few of the ordinances remain, one of which is the exhaust ordinance.  Myrtle Beach has passed an exhaust ordinance which is far stricter than that enacted by the state legislature.  The result of this is that motorcyclists whose exhaust systems are legal everywhere else in the State of South Carolina can be ticketed in Myrtle Beach and in some instances have their property confiscated.   On Tuesday, The Law Offices of Tom McGrath filed suit… Read the rest

From Gerry Lynn: I gave out fliers for the Vote No to the School Bond Referendum. This special Election will be on May 25 If this passes your primary house taxes will go up 4%, car, motorcycle, car, boat, etc will go up 6%, rental and commercial property will go up 6%. This special election is costing the county $40,000. They could have waited and put this on the November ballot and saved this extra cost. There will be a Vote No rally Monday night at 6:30 at the Aiken County Court House steps.  Please ask ABATE members to please… Read the rest

The State is now trying to charge for Disabled Veterans licence plates.  Be sure to read to (B).  Currently Disabled Veterans plates are free, as far as I know.     

424 Sovereignty- 535 gambling – and transparency bill

Myrtle Beach, S.C., is known for its family resorts, picturesque golf courses and big and noisy motorcycle rallies. That last distinction is one city leaders would just as soon do without. The city is trying to scale back rallies that bring hundreds of thousands of bikers to town. One way they’re doing it is by enforcing a city helmet law in a state where bikers have the right to go bareheaded. South Carolina is one of a handful of states on the East Coast where it’s legal for adults to ride without a helmet. Tired of the noise and constant… Read the rest

Myrtle Beach has spent $145,000 defending itself in lawsuits that challenge restrictive ordinances aimed at ending motorcycle rallies. The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News reported Tuesday that court rulings have been in the city’s favor so far. Myrtle Beach is waiting for the state Supreme Court to decide if it will hear cases challenging the city’s helmet law.

Both auto and m'cycle Veterans plates are being received by mail. Obviously, a big thanks to Dixie Thunder for their final help. Auto plates start with Number 5000, m'cycles start with 8000. Dan Toth

July 27 2009 Update:
Veteran Specialty Plate

http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx
SCDMV will begin issuing Veteran Specialty Plates for use on private passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles on August 1, 2009. These plates are available to SC residents who have served in the United States Armed Forces, active or reserve components, and have been honorably discharged from service. SCDMV is no longer accepting prepaid applications for the plates.
Click on Image below for enlarged copy.  You can view the actual PDF here: Vet Tag PR

Dixie Thunder wishes to thank our past Chapter Coordinator Jim Bronder for all his hard work with the Veteran Tag… Read the rest

Today a bill was passed awaiting Governor's signature that will eliminate the requirement to obtain a special endorsement to operate a TRIKE. You will still have to get a special endorsement to operate a motorcycle with a side car if you DO NOT have a motorcycle license. --Cliff Dalton ABATE of SC

From The Statehouse Online A basic driver’s license authorizes the licensee to operate motor vehicles, automotive three-wheel vehicles, motorcycle three-wheel vehicles, excluding a motorcycle with a detachable side car, or combinations of vehicles which do not exceed twenty-six thousand pounds gross vehicle weight rating; provided, that the driver has successfully demonstrated the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle in this category. The following text is borrowed from this page on the ABATE of SC Website Written by Cliff Wednesday, 20 May 2009 12:19 A few dedicated bikers stormed the statehouse yesterday May… Read the rest

The House of Representatives convened on Tuesday, January 13, as lawmakers began work on the 118th South Carolina General Assembly. Members approved changes to the Rules of the House of Representatives that establish MORE EXPANSIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR ROLL CALL VOTES that record in the Journal the names of the House Members voting and how they vote on a matter. The revised rules require that a roll call vote be taken on second reading of specified legislation, and on third reading if that legislation has been amended on third reading, as well as in other specified situations, as follows: · Adoption… Read the rest