Please remove your helmet: Police given new powers for dealing with motorcyclists

A new P.E.I. bill will make it easier for law enforcement to identify motorcyclists.

An amendment to the Highway Traffic Act allows police across the province to have riders remove helmets or facial coverings after being pulled over..

The bill was brought forward by P.E.I. Opposition Leader Jamie Fox on behalf of police forces and RCMP across P.E.I. The penalty for non-compliance will be $200.

Fox said the amendment will help officers properly identify motorcyclists, adding this has been a challenge for law enforcement.

"Our men and women that are our there, they have a tough job and this will improve their safety and will also add a level of protection for the actual public themselves," he said.

Fox, a former police officer, says he believes other jurisdictions will be looking to introduce similar legislation.

Law enforcement will receive training on how to deal in a sensitive manner with riders wearing religious coverings.

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