Freedom Lawyers of America

N E W S R E L E A S E
State Rep. Joshua D. ShapiroD-Montgomerywww.pahouse.com/shapiro
CONTACT: Paul ReschHouse Democratic Communications OfficePhone: 717-787-7895Fax: 717-783-6839Email: presch@pahouse.net


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shapiro legislation to ban nitrous oxide in street cars and improve roadway safety passes House

HARRISBURG, June 30 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Josh Shapiro and passed by the House today would prohibit the use of nitrous oxide systems to boost power in vehicles traveling on public roads.

Shapiro, D-Montgomery, introduced the legislation after a fatal car accident in his district in which the vehicle was equipped with a nitrous oxide tank. The accident claimed the life of a 16-year-old Huntingdon Valley resident.

Shapiro said nitrous oxide systems are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger drivers, because of their ability to provide an inexpensive horsepower boost. Nitrous oxide can be injected into the combustion chambers of an engine to increase power output. It is used to provide exceptional acceleration in short bursts. Most vehicles are not designed to perform beyond the manufacturer’s intent and, Shapiro said, the results can be tragic.

“When nitrous oxide systems are used in cars on our roadways, the result is excessive speeding that has the potential to take lives,” Shapiro said. “One of my missions in the House is to ensure the security of Pennsylvanians and this measure will go a long way toward improving the safety and security of our roadways.”

The measure, which passed as an amendment to another bill, would not apply to the use of nitrous systems in racing or race cars.

Last December, Greg Salmon, a high school junior, was killed when the driver of a vehicle he was riding in lost control and struck two trees. A nitrous oxide tank was mounted to the trunk floor, but police were unable to determine if an arming switch for the nitrous oxide was on or off. After the accident, local law enforcement authorities from the Abington Township Police Department asked Shapiro to introduce legislation to ban nitrous oxide’s use in street cars. The legislation was strongly supported by the state police.

“This legislation not only addresses the tragedy that occurred in our community, but will address the issue on a statewide basis so that we can prevent other injuries and fatalities from occurring,” Shapiro said.

Violations would carry a $25 fine plus additional fines for speeding. Motorists would also face a $250 fine for exceeding the speed limit by 5 mph to 30 mph. Those who exceed the speed limit by 31 mph or more would face a $500 fine.

The legislation would include an exception for vehicles equipped with nitrous oxide systems in which the canisters are removed or when the vehicle is in route to a track and the lines are disconnected.

“We are going to penalize people for using nitrous oxide on our roadways in an attempt to try and keep our roadways safe,” Shapiro said.

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