An Act To Allow the Operation of Autocycles on Roads in Maine
Maine Legislature, Session 128, LD 1750
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: MIRAMANT, GILLWAY, CYRWAY, DIAMOND, JACKSON, THIBODEAU, GOLDEN, HERBIG, MARTIN, VACHON
Amends: 29-A MRSA §101, 29-A MRSA §501, 29-A MRSA §1254, 29-A MRSA §2083, 29-A MRSA §2089-B

Legislative Document
No. 1750
S.P. 649
In Senate, December 22, 2017
An Act To Allow the Operation of Autocycles on Roads in Maine
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
203.
Received by the Secretary of the Senate on December 19, 2017.  Referred to the Committee 
on Transportation pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed.
HEATHER J.R. PRIEST
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator MIRAMANT of Knox.
Cosponsored by Representative GILLWAY of Searsport and
Senators: CYRWAY of Kennebec, DIAMOND of Cumberland, JACKSON of Aroostook, 
President THIBODEAU of Waldo, Representatives: GOLDEN of Lewiston, HERBIG of 
Belfast, MARTIN of Eagle Lake, VACHON of Scarborough.
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.