On July 1, 2008, a new law takes effect requiring all new motorcycle (and scooter) riders in the State of Florida to complete a motorcycle safety course.  Previously the law only required the course if the rider was under 21 years of age.

Local news outlets such as Tampa Bay’s Fox 13 covered the end of the month rush at local license offices as many new riders tried to beat the implementation of the new law, as well as increased fees.  Coincidentally, the new law takes effect during a fuel crisis when many of the drivers interviewed by the media were switching from automobiles to the more fuel-efficient motorcycles or scooters.

Ironically, the law goes into effect following a weekend in which two Tampa Bay area motorcyclists lost their lives in separate incidents.  The first rider died on Interstate 75 in Tampa, while the second lost his life on the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Clearwater.