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An Act To Allow the Operation of Autocycles on Roads in Maine
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§6-C  is enacted to read:
 
6-C.  Autocycle.     "Autocycle" means an enclosed 3-wheeled motorcycle with automotive controls.
Sec. 2.  29-A MRSA §501, sub-§12-B  is enacted to read:
 
12-B.  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 §1254, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2005, c. 577, §16, is further amended to read:
 
1. Motorcycles.   The Secretary of State may issue a license specifically endorsed for the operation of a motorcycle with the same requirements as a motor vehicle license. A motor vehicle license does not authorize operation of a motorcycle unless the license is endorsed for that vehicle. This subsection does not apply to the operation of an autocycle.
Sec. 4. 29-A MRSA §2083, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2017, c. 51, §§1 to 3, is further amended to read:
 
1. Requirement.   The following persons must wear protective headgear:
 
A. If under 18 years of age, a passenger on a motorcycle or moped or in an attached side car;
 
B. If under 18 years of age, an operator of a motorcycle or moped;
 
C. An operator of a motorcycle or moped, 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.
 
This subsection does not apply to an operator or passenger of an autocycle.
Sec. 5.  29-A MRSA §2089-B  is enacted to read:
§ 2089-B. Operation of autocycles
A person operating an autocycle on a public way shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and with this section.
 
1.  License required.     A person operating an autocycle must possess a valid operator's license of any class.
 
2.  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 allows a person licensed for the operation of a motor vehicle to legally operate an autocycle on roads in this State.