HB157 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen Farley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Motor vehicles, motorcycles, Class M motorcycle license including restricted license to operate a motor-driven cycle, issuance by Public Safety Department, knowledge test required under certain conditions, Secs. 32-5A-240, 32-12-22 am'd.

Summary

HB157 would require anyone without a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement to pass a motorcycle knowledge test to obtain one, and it ties young riders to graduated license rules when operating motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.

What This Bill Does

Creates a knowledge test requirement for individuals who do not already hold a Class M license or endorsement to obtain a motorcycle endorsement or Class M license (including restricted licenses). Allows Class M licenses for ages 16+ and Class M licenses restricted to motor-driven cycles for ages 14+ (subject to passing the knowledge test). Extends certain graduated license rules to any person under 18 operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, including hours restrictions and possible license suspensions for specified violations. Requires registration of motor-driven cycles and issuance of an operator's license, with eligibility for a Class M license or motor-driven cycle restriction contingent on passing the knowledge test.

Who It Affects

• People who currently do not have a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement and want to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle; they must pass the motorcycle knowledge test to obtain the endorsement or license.
• Persons under 18 who operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles; they become subject to the graduated license rules, hours restrictions, and potential license suspensions for certain violations.

Key Provisions

• Anyone operating a motorcycle shall have a Class M endorsement on a driver's license or a Class M motorcycle license, with a special Class M license restricted to a motor-driven cycle available for those 14+.
• Individuals without a Class M endorsement or license on the act’s effective date must pass a motorcycle knowledge test designated by the Department of Public Safety to obtain the endorsement or license.
• A Class M license with a motor-driven cycle restriction may be issued to 14+; a standard Class M license or endorsement may be issued to 16+ (and the restricted version to 14+).
• The hours-of-operation restrictions for under-18 drivers apply to those operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, and suspensions can apply for certain violations under the under-18 provisions.
• Motor-driven cycles must be registered and require an operator's license; a Class M license with motor-driven cycle restriction may be issued to 14+ only if the applicant passes the motorcycle knowledge test.
• The changes to Sections 32-5A-240 and 32-12-22 take effect immediately after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles