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Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE BILL NO. 218
BY REPRESENTATIVES NORTON AND PATRICK WILLIAMS
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
MOTOR VEHICLES: Exempts operators of certain autocycles from requirements to obtain
an "M" endorsement or wear a safety helmet
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 32:1(1.1) and 190(D) and to enact R.S. 32:401(24) and2
408(C)(3), relative to autocycles; to amend the definition of autocycle; to provide for3
a helmet exemption for operators and passengers of certain autocycles; to provide4
for an exemption for certain driver's license endorsements for operators of certain5
autocycles; to provide for an effective date; and to provide for related matters.6
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:7
Section 1. R.S. 32:1(1.1) and 190(D) are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S.8
32:401(24) and 408(C)(3) are hereby enacted to read as follows:9
§1. Definitions10
When used in this Chapter, the following words and phrases have the11
meanings ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a12
different meaning:13
* * *14
(1.1)(a) "Autocycle" means an enclosed motorcycle that is equipped with15
safety belts, rollbar or roll cage, windshield wipers, steering wheel, and equipment16
otherwise required on a motorcycle and which has no more than three wheels in17
contact with the roadway at any one time.18 HLS 13RS-718 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 218
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(b) For purposes of this Paragraph, "roll cage" shall mean a hardtop1
enclosure protecting occupants from the elements that will support the vehicle's2
weight and be so designed as to protect the occupants when the vehicle is resting on3
this enclosure.4
* * *5
§190. Safety helmets6
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D. This Section does not apply to a person operating or riding in an8
autocycle if the vehicle is equipped with a roof which meets or exceeds standards for9
a safety helmet or a roll cage. As used in this Subsection, "roll cage" shall mean a10
hardtop enclosure protecting occupants from the elements that will support the11
vehicle's weight and be so designed as to protect the occupants when the vehicle is12
resting on this enclosure.13
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§401. Definitions15
The following words and phrases when used in this Chapter shall have the16
meaning herein assigned unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.17
* * *18
(24)(a) "Autocycle" means a three-wheeled motorcycle on which the driver19
and all passengers ride in a completely enclosed seating area that is equipped with20
a roll cage, safety belts for all occupants, airbag protection, antilock brakes, and is21
designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and pedals.22
(b) For purposes of this Paragraph, "roll cage" shall mean a hardtop23
enclosure protecting occupants from the elements that will support the vehicle's24
weight and be so designed as to protect the occupants when the vehicle is resting on25
this enclosure.26
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§408. Examination of applicants required; classes of licenses28
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C.1
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(3) The provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall not apply to3
autocycles as defined by R.S. 32:401(24). As such, the operation of an autocycle4
shall not require a special endorsement but shall only require that the operator hold5
a valid driver's license.6
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Section 2. This Act shall become effective on January 1, 2014.8
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Norton HB No. 218
Abstract: Makes changes to the definition of "autocycle". Provides that the operator of an
autocycle with certain features shall not be required to obtain an "M" endorsement.
Further provides that the operator or passengers of an autocycle shall not be required
to wear safety helmets if the autocycle is equipped with a roll cage.
Present law defines "autocycle" to mean an enclosed motorcycle that is equipped with safety
belts, rollbar, windshield wipers, steering wheel, and equipment otherwise required on a
motorcycle and which has no more than three wheels in contact with the roadway at any one
time.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that an "autocycle" shall also include enclosed
motorcycles with a roll cage.
Proposed law defines "roll cage" as used in the definition of "autocycle".
Present law exempts persons operating or riding in an autocycle with a roof that meets or
exceeds standards from having to wear a safety helmet.
Proposed law retains present law and exempts persons operating or riding in an autocycle
with a roll cage from having to wear a safety helmet. Also, defines "roll cage" in the context
of autocycles for which the exemption applies.
Present law requires operators of motorcycles to obtain a special endorsement on their
driver's license.
Proposed law exempts operators of autocycles with certain features from requirement to
obtain a special endorsement on their driver's license.
Effective Jan. 1, 2014.
(Amends R.S. 32:1(1.1) and 190(D); Adds R.S. 32:401(24) and 408(C)(3))