HB489 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Charlotte Meadows

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Motor vehicles, autocycles, requirement further provided, Sec. 32-6A-1 am'd.

Summary

The bill expands and tightens how autocycles are defined and regulated in Alabama, including safety standards, licensing, and registration.

What This Bill Does

It defines autocycle to require three wheels, a steering mechanism, a roll cage or roll hoops, seat belts for occupants, and brakes meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122. It requires autocycles to meet applicable federal motorcycle safety standards (49 C.F.R. Part 571) and be manufactured by a company registered with the NHTSA. It allows autocycle operators to use a regular driver's license instead of a Class M license and requires seat belt use. It treats autocycle registration, taxation, and titling the same as motorcycles for Title 40 and related purposes, and it adds age-related rules for drivers 17 and younger.

Who It Affects

• Autocycle owners/operators who must meet the new safety features and use a regular driver's license instead of a Class M license.
• Autocycle manufacturers and dealers who must be registered with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and comply with federal motorcycle safety standards.
• Young drivers (17 years old or younger) who operate autocyles, subject to existing operating hours, exceptions, and suspensions.

Key Provisions

• Autocycle definition updated to require three wheels, a steering mechanism, roll cage or roll hoops, seat belts for all occupants, and brakes meeting FMVSS No. 122.
• Autocycle must comply with federal motorcycle safety standards (49 C.F.R. Part 571) by a manufacturer registered with the NHTSA.
• Operators may use a regular driver's license and are not required to display a Class M license; seat belts must be used.
• Autocycles are registered, taxed, and titled the same as motorcycles under Title 40.
• Individuals 17 years of age or younger operating an autocycle are subject to the operating hours and suspensions in Section 32-6-7.2.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

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