Louisiana 2021 2021 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB354 Introduced / Bill

                    HLS 21RS-809	ORIGINAL
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 354
BY REPRESENTATIVE SCHAMERHORN
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
MTR VEHICLE/MOTORCYCLES:  Modifies the definition of autocycle applicable to the
operator's helmet exemption and driver's license endorsement requirement
1	AN ACT
2To amend and reenact R.S. 32:1(2)(a), 401(2)(a), and 408(C)(3), relative to autocycles; to
3 modify the definition of "autocycle" relative to motor vehicles and traffic regulation;
4 to modify the definition of "autocycle" applicable to an exemption for certain driver's
5 license endorsements for operators; and to provide for related matters.
6Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
7 Section 1.  R.S. 32:1(2)(a), 401(2)(a), and 408(C)(3) are hereby amended and
8reeanacted to read as follows:
9 §1.  Definitions
10	When used in this Chapter, the following words and phrases have the
11 meanings ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a
12 different meaning:
13	*          *          *
14	(2)(a)  "Autocycle" means a three-wheeled motorcycle on which the driver
15 and all passengers ride in either a partially or completely enclosed seating area or in
16 a side-by-side seating area that is equipped with a rollbar or roll cage, safety belts for
17 all occupants, and is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel mechanism and
18 pedals.
19	*          *          *
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CODING:  Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-809	ORIGINAL
HB NO. 354
1 §401.  Definitions
2	The following words and phrases when used in this Chapter shall have the
3 meaning assigned to them in this Section unless the context clearly indicates
4 otherwise:
5	*          *          *
6	(2)(a) "Autocycle" means a three-wheeled motorcycle on which the driver
7 and all passengers ride in either a partially or completely enclosed seating area or in
8 a side-by-side seating area that is equipped with a rollbar or roll cage, safety belts for
9 all occupants, and is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel mechanism and
10 pedals.
11	*          *          *
12 §408.  Examination of applicants required; classes of licenses
13	*          *          *
14	C.
15	*          *          *
16	(3)  The provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall not apply to
17 autocycles as defined by R.S. 32:401(2).  As such, the operation of an autocycle shall
18 not require a special endorsement but shall require only that the operator hold a valid
19 driver's license.
20	*          *          *
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)]
HB 354 Original 2021 Regular Session	Schamerhorn
Abstract:  Modifies the definition of "autocycle" relative to motor vehicles and traffic
regulation and changes the definition of "autocycle" applicable to an exemption for
certain driver's license endorsements.
Present law specifies that safety helmet requirements applicable to motorcycles, motor-
driven cycles, or motorized bicycles do not apply to a person operating or riding an
autocycle if the vehicle is equipped with supports that meet or exceed the standards for a
safety helmet or a rollbar or roll cage.
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CODING:  Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 21RS-809	ORIGINAL
HB NO. 354
Present law defines "autocycle" as a three-wheeled motorcycle on which the driver and all
passengers ride in either a completely enclosed seating area or in a side-by-side seating area
equipped with a rollbar or roll cage, safety belts for all occupants, and designed to be
controlled with a steering wheel and pedals.
Proposed law modifies the definition in present law to include either a partially or
completely enclosed seating area and changes the controlling design from a steering wheel
to a steering mechanism.
Present law exempts operators of autocycles with certain features from the requirement to
obtain a special endorsement on their driver's license.
Proposed law changes the definition of "autocycle" relative to the driver's license law for
which a special endorsement exemption applies. Modifies the definition to include either a
partially or completely enclosed seating area and changes the controlling design from a
steering wheel to a steering mechanism.
(Amends R.S. 32:1(2)(a), 401(2)(a), and 408(C)(3))
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CODING:  Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.