HB157 Alabama 2012 Session

Under existing law, a person age 16 or older may operate a motorcycle and a person age 14 or older may operate a motor-driven cycle. A motor-driven cycle is defined as a motorcycle which is smaller in weight and power

The Department of Public Safety issues Class M motorcycle licenses and Class M motorcycle licenses restricted to the operation of a motor-driven cycle and issues Class M motorcycle endorsements on driver's licenses for the operation of motorcycles

This bill would require a person who on the effective date of the act does not have a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement on his or her license to take and pass a motorcycle knowledge test given by the Department of Public Safety in order to have a motorcycle endorsement displayed on his or her driver's license or to obtain a Class M motorcycle license, including a Class M motorcycle license restricted to a motor-driven cycle

The bill would also provide that the provisions of the graduated driver's license law restricting the operation of a motor vehicle by a person age 16 or 17 and its provision for exceptions and suspensions of licenses would under certain conditions apply to persons under age 18 operating a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle

To amend Sections 32-5A-240 and 32-12-22 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, to further provide for the issuance of Class M motorcycle licenses, including Class M motorcycle licenses with a motor-driven cycle restriction, and Class M endorsements on driver's licenses; and to require a knowledge test under certain conditions.