HB125 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris PringleRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Motor vehicles, motorcycle license, requirements, further provided, Secs. 32-5A-240, 32-12-22 am'd.

Summary

HB125 would change how people earn a Class M motorcycle license by adding requirements for either a written knowledge test with license class display or completion of an approved motorcycle riders course, with an exemption for those already authorized to ride before January 1, 2022.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill updates Alabama's motorcycle licensing rules. Applicants would need to meet one of two paths: either pass a designated written motorcycle knowledge test and have a Class M designation on their license, or complete an Alabama-approved motorcycle riders course (such as Basic Riders Course or Basic Riders Course II, or an equivalent). The changes apply to operating motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, and there are age-related provisions about eligibility and suspensions. People who were already authorized to operate a motorcycle before January 1, 2022 would not be subject to the new requirements. The bill takes effect January 1, 2022.

Who It Affects

• Prospective motorcycle or motor-driven cycle riders who must meet the new licensing paths (written test or riders course) to obtain a Class M license.
• People who were already authorized to operate a motorcycle before January 1, 2022, who would be exempt from the new requirements.

Key Provisions

• Amends Code Sections 32-5A-240 and 32-12-22 to change Class M licensing requirements for operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
• Provides two pathways to obtain a Class M license: (a) pass a written motorcycle knowledge test and display Class M on the license, or (b) complete an approved motorcycle riders course (Basic Riders Course, Basic Riders Course II, or substantially equivalent) approved by ALEA.
• Requires compliance with age-related rules and operating hours as specified for riders (including those 14 years and older and 17 years or younger with associated restrictions).
• Exempts individuals who were already authorized to operate a motorcycle before January 1, 2022 from the new requirements.
• Effective date: January 1, 2022.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles