HB 22-1043

House Bill 22-1043 in Colorado changes how motorcycles and autocycles are defined. It clarifies that motorcycles must have handlebars and a seat the rider sits on, while autocycles are now classified as motor vehicles and don't require a motorcycle endorsement for their drivers unless they're three-wheel motorcycles. The bill also ensures that certain safety exemptions apply specifically to autocycles rather than motorcycles, such as not needing eye protection or a helmet under specific conditions. Additionally, it removes the requirement for autocycle owners to pay a registration fee meant for motorcycle operator training and makes other adjustments related to licensing plates and lane usage. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect.

Official Summary

Section 1 of the act removes autocycle from the definition of motorcycle. The definition of motorcycle is changed to add that a motorcycle has handlebars to steer and a seat the rider sits astride. The definition of autocycle is also changed to classify it as a motor vehicle and to clarify that an autocycle may use handlebars to steer. In removing autocycle from the definition of motorcycle, the act makes the following clarifications and changes: Section 2 clarifies that the driver of an autocycle need not have a motorcycle endorsement regardless of the autocycle's maximum speed and that all 3-wheel motorcycle drivers need a general or limited motorcycle endorsement; Colorado law requires all motorcycle drivers to wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has 3 wheels, has a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour, has a windshield, and has seatbelts. Section 3 clarifies that this exception applies to drivers of autocycles, not motorcycles, fitting that description. Colorado law requires a motorcycle driver who is under 18 years of age to wear a helmet unless the motorcycle has 3 wheels, has a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour, has a windshield, and has seatbelts. Section 4 clarifies that this exception applies to autocycles, not motorcycles, fitting that description. Colorado law imposes a fee of $4 to register motorcycles for motorcycle operator safety training. Redefining autocycles as not being motorcycles in section 1 means that autocycle owners will not pay the fee. Section 5 removes the authorization for 2 autocycles to drive abreast in one lane; and Section 8 clarifies that the department of revenue will continue to issue a motorcycle license plate for an autocycle. Section 33 appropriates $15,976 from the general fund for use by the division of motor vehicles to implement the act. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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