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An Act Relating to Autocycles
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§6-A  is enacted to read:
 
6-A.  Autocycle.     "Autocycle" means an enclosed motorcycle having no more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground and that:
 
A.  Meets the general motorcycle inspection standards, except those standards that do not apply due to the design of the vehicle; and
 
B.  Is equipped with:
 
(1) Safety belts for all passengers;
 
(2) A roll bar;
 
(3) A steering wheel or tiller; and
 
(4) Brakes on at least 2 main wheels.
 
An autocycle may not be designed or used primarily for the transport of cargo or materials. The manufacturer's certificate of origin must state that the vehicle meets the federal specifications for a motorcycle.
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §501, sub-§12  is enacted to read:
 
12.  Autocycles.     The Secretary of State may issue a registration for an autocycle upon application and payment of an annual fee of $21. The registrant must provide a certificate of title required by section 651, proof of financial responsibility required by section 1601 and evidence of payment of the excise tax as required by Title 36, section 1482, subsection 1, paragraph C. An autocycle registered under this section is issued a registration plate with the word "autocycle" instead of "Vacationland." The Secretary of State may issue a facsimile plate for a 60-day period.
Sec. 3. 29-A MRSA §1301, sub-§9,  as reallocated by RR 2003, c. 1, §28, is amended to read:
 
9. Vehicle used for examination.   An applicant for a license may not use a low-speed vehicle or autocycle to demonstrate ability to operate a motor vehicle as required under subsection 4.
Sec. 4. 29-A MRSA §2083, sub-§1,  as amended by PL 2005, c. 577, §33, is further amended to read:
 
1. Requirement.   The following persons must wear protective headgear:
 
A. If under 15 years of age, a passenger on a motorcycle or in an attached side car or in an autocycle;
 
B. If under 15 years of age, an operator of an off-road motorcycle;
 
C. An operator of a motorcycle or autocycle, operating under a learner's permit or within one year of successfully completing a driving test; and
 
D. A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear.
Sec. 5. 29-A MRSA §2083, sub-§2,  as amended by PL 2005, c. 577, §33, is further amended to read:
 
2. Compliance.   An operator of a motorcycle,or autocycle or a parent or guardian may not allow a passenger under the age of 15 years to ride in violation of this section.
Sec. 6. 29-A MRSA §2089-A  is enacted to read:
§ 2089-A.  Operation of autocycles
A person operating an autocycle on a public way shall comply with the provisions of this chapter as they apply to the operator of a motorcycle and with this section.
 
1.  License required.     A person operating an autocycle must possess a valid operator's license of any class with a motorcycle endorsement pursuant to section 1252, subsection 2 or a motorcycle operator's license pursuant to section 1254, subsection 1.
 
2.  Road restrictions.     An autocycle may be operated only on a road or street where the posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour or less. An autocycle may cross, at an intersection, a road or street with a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour. The department may prohibit the operation of an autocycle on any highway or segment of highway under its jurisdiction if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety. A municipality may prohibit the operation of an autocycle on any road under its jurisdiction if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety.
 
3.  Violation.     A person who operates an autocycle in violation of subsection 2 commits a traffic infraction.
 
4.  Rulemaking.     The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation and the Commissioner of Public Safety, may adopt routine technical rules in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A to implement this section, monitor the registration and use of autocycles and provide for the safe operation of autocycles.
 
SUMMARY
This bill defines an autocycle as an enclosed, 3-wheeled motorcycle with certain additional safety equipment and establishes provisions for registration, operator licensing and limitations on operation of an autocycle. An autocycle would be allowed to operate only on roads with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less. An autocycle may not be designed or used primarily for the transport of cargo or materials.