Senate Bill 238 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Motor vehicles; autocycles, headgear equipment required for operation

Summary

SB238 would require autocycle operators in Alabama to wear protective headgear and shoes, aligning autocycle safety rules with motorcycle standards, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It removes the current exemption for autocycle operators from motorcycle protective gear requirements and requires wearing headgear and shoes when operating or riding an autocycle. It defines an autocycle and sets that such vehicles must meet federal motorcycle safety standards and be registered and titled like motorcycles. Autocycle operators must have a regular driver's license (no Class M endorsement) and must follow seat belt and motorcycle protective gear requirements when operating the autocycle. The act establishes helmet standards approval by the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, requires lists of approved headgear, and includes age-based operating rules, with an Oct. 1, 2026 effective date.

Who It Affects

• Autocycle operators and riders in Alabama would now be required to wear protective headgear and shoes, follow seat belt rules, and treat autocycle registration like a motorcycle.
• Helmet manufacturers, retailers, and enforcement agencies would be affected by helmet standards, approval lists, and enforcement rules for compliant headgear and noncompliant helmets.

Key Provisions

• Defines autocycle as a three-wheeled vehicle with a steering wheel, roll cage, seat belts, and brakes meeting FMVSS 122, and to be manufactured and certified to comply with federal motorcycle safety standards under 49 CFR Part 571 by an NHTSA-registered manufacturer; treated like a motorcycle for registration and titling.
• Autocycle operators must have a regular driver's license (no Class M required) and be subject to seat belt rules and motorcycle protective gear requirements when operating the autocycle.
• Autocycles must be registered, taxed, and titled like motorcycles and are considered motorcycles for Title 40 purposes.
• Autocycle operators must wear protective headgear that complies with standards established in 32-12-41 and shoes; exemptions exist for enclosed cabs and for autocycle operators as defined in the bill.
• The Secretary may approve or disapprove protective headgear, adopt standards and specifications, publish lists of approved headgear, and enforce helmet-related provisions; there are prohibitions on selling helmets that do not meet approved standards; the act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles & Traffic