SB261 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
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: SB261 changes Alabama motorcycle licensing by requiring a knowledge test for anyone without a Class M license or endorsement and extending some teen graduated licensing rules to motorized cycles.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, the bill requires a motorcycle knowledge test from the Department of Public Safety for anyone who does not already have a Class M endorsement or license in order to display an endorsement or obtain a Class M license (including a restricted license for a motor-driven cycle). It allows Class M licenses for those 16 or older and Class M licenses restricted to motor-driven cycles for those 14 or older, contingent on passing the knowledge test. It also extends the graduated driver’s license provisions for 16- and 17-year-olds to motorcycle and motor-driven cycle operators under certain conditions, including possible suspensions for violations. Additionally, it establishes registration requirements for motor-driven cycles and permits 14-year-olds and older to receive an operator’s license if they are deemed competent by the DPS, with a Class M license that has a motor-driven cycle restriction available only after passing the knowledge test.

Who It Affects
People who want to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle but do not currently hold a Class M license or endorsement (they must pass the DPS knowledge test to obtain endorsement or license).
Individuals aged 14–15 and older who seek a Class M license restricted to a motor-driven cycle (they must pass the knowledge test to obtain it).
Persons under 18 operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, who are subject to extended graduated licensing rules and potential license suspensions for certain violations.
New or existing operators of motor-driven cycles who must register their vehicle and obtain an operator’s license (14+ may be eligible if competent).

Key Provisions
Amendments to 32-5A-240 and 32-12-22 to require a motorcycle knowledge test for those without a Class M endorsement or license to obtain or display one (including a motor-driven cycle–restricted license).
Class M licenses and endorsements: standard Class M license/endorsement for ages 16+; Class M license restricted to a motor-driven cycle for ages 14+.
A knowledge test is required for anyone applying for a Class M endorsement or license who does not already have one as of the act’s effective date.
Under 18: the graduated driver’s license provisions applying to motor vehicles are extended to motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, with applicable exceptions and suspensions for violations.
Motor-driven cycles: registration with the Director of Public Safety is required before operation, and operator’s licenses are issued under Chapter 6; 14+ may be issued a license if deemed competent by DPS.
A Class M license with a motor-driven cycle restriction may be issued to 14+ only after passing the motorcycle knowledge test.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles