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Public Law
124th Legislature
First Regular Session
Chapter 55
H.P. 131 - L.D. 152
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 or enclosed cab;
 
(3) A steering wheel or tiller; and
 
(4) Brakes on at least 2 main wheels.
 
The manufacturer’s certificate of origin must state that the vehicle meets the federal specifications for a motorcycle.
 
This subsection is repealed 90 days after the adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 125th Legislature.
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.
 
This subsection is repealed 90 days after the adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 125th Legislature.
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-§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. 5.   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 and with this section.
 
1.  License required.      A person operating an autocycle must possess a valid operator’s license pursuant to section 1251.
 
2.  State highway restrictions.      An autocycle may not be operated on a road or street where the posted speed limit is greater than 45 miles per hour. An autocycle may cross, at an intersection, a road or street with a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour. An autocycle may not be operated on any highway or segment of highway under the jurisdiction of the department in violation of any applicable rules and regulations of the department. An autocycle may only transport cargo in compliance with manufacturer specifications.
 
3.  Municipal road restrictions.      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.
 
4.  Violation.      A person who operates an autocycle in violation of subsection 2 commits a traffic infraction.
 
5.  Repeal.      This section is repealed 90 days after the adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 125th Legislature.
Sec. 6.  Report. The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation and the Chief of the State Police, shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters no later than February 1, 2011. The report must include the status of the registration and use of autocycles on public ways. After reviewing the report, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters may submit legislation to the First Regular Session of the 125th Legislature concerning the registration and use of autocycles on public ways.
 
Effective September 12, 2009