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  S.B. No. 449
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the titling, registration, and operation of an
  autocycle.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Transportation Code,
  is amended by adding Section 501.008 to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.008.  TITLE FOR AUTOCYCLE. (a)  In this section,
  "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
               (1)  designed to have when propelled not more than
  three wheels on the ground;
               (2)  equipped with a steering wheel;
               (3)  equipped with seating that does not require the
  operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
               (4)  manufactured and certified to comply with federal
  safety requirements for a motorcycle.
         (b)  For purposes of issuing a title under this chapter, an
  autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation Code,
  is amended by adding Section 502.004 to read as follows:
         Sec. 502.004.  REGISTRATION OF AUTOCYCLE. (a)  In this
  section, "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor,
  that is:
               (1)  designed to have when propelled not more than
  three wheels on the ground;
               (2)  equipped with a steering wheel;
               (3)  equipped with seating that does not require the
  operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
               (4)  manufactured and certified to comply with federal
  safety requirements for a motorcycle.
         (b)  For purposes of registering a vehicle under this
  chapter, an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
         SECTION 3.  Section 521.084, Transportation Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 521.084.  CLASS M LICENSE. A Class M driver's license
  authorizes the holder of the license to operate a motorcycle or
  moped as defined by Section 541.201.
         SECTION 4.  Section 521.085(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  Subsection (a) does not prohibit a license holder from
  operating a lesser type of vehicle that is a motorcycle described by
  Section 521.001(a)(6-a) or an autocycle as defined by Section
  501.008.
         SECTION 5.  Section 545.416, Transportation Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
         (f)  For purposes of Subsections (c) and (d), an autocycle as
  defined by Section 501.008 is considered to be a motorcycle.
         SECTION 6.  Section 547.617, Transportation Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 547.617.  MOTORCYCLE FOOTRESTS AND HANDHOLDS REQUIRED.  
  (a)  A motorcycle that is designed to carry more than one person
  must be equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the
  passenger.
         (b)  This section does not apply to an autocycle as defined
  by Section 501.008 or a motorcycle as defined by Section
  521.001(a)(6-a).
         SECTION 7.  Chapter 661, Transportation Code, is amended by
  adding Section 661.0015 to read as follows:
         Sec. 661.0015.  PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR FOR AUTOCYCLE. (a)  In
  this section, "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a
  tractor, that is:
               (1)  designed to have when propelled not more than
  three wheels on the ground;
               (2)  equipped with a steering wheel;
               (3)  equipped with seating that does not require the
  operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
               (4)  manufactured and certified to comply with federal
  safety requirements for a motorcycle.
         (b)  For purposes of this chapter, an autocycle is considered
  to be a motorcycle.
         SECTION 8.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 449 passed the Senate on April
  9, 2015, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 449 passed the House on May 8,
  2015, by the following vote:  Yeas 142, Nays 0, two present not
  voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor