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MOTORCYCLE LICENSE BILL PASSES IN ALABAMA
Alabamians will need to have a motorcycle classification on
their license, and take a written exam or safety course, under
a bill that has passed the state Legislature and awaits the
governor’s signature. Alabama is the only state that doesn’t
require a specific motorcycle license, and this measure
“will make sure that those who are riding motorcycles are
qualified and know enough about motorcycle safety,” said the
bill’s sponsor State Rep. Phillip Pettus (R-Greenhill).
Pettus’ House Bill 212 now goes to the governor for his
signature. Currently, only motorcyclists age 14 and 15 have
to take a written test and get the M classification. Those
older than that may get the classification, but don’t have to.
Motorcyclists who already have the M classification will be
grandfathered in.
Upon Governor Robert J. Bentley’s approval, the new
licensure law will become effective January 1, 2016, and law
enforcement will then be able to issue tickets to motorcyclists
who don’t have the M classification. The bill also allows
drivers to complete a safety course instead of the written test.
There’s a $5 fee for the written test.
TEXAS LAW LEGALIZES SLINGSHOT THREE-WHEELER
A new law now legalizes the three-wheel Polaris Slingshot
in Texas. Polaris’ Slingshot reverse-trike ended up in legal
limbo last year after it was determined that it didn’t fit the
letter of any of Texas motor vehicle laws. It didn’t have the
safety equipment required to define it as a car, but since
it had seats, and not a saddle, it couldn’t be considered a
motorcycle, either. That changed last week wh