To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes.
Summary
What This Bill Does
This bill directs the Transportation Secretary to issue regulations within 120 days amending the definition of motorcycle in 49 CFR 571.3. The required definition covers a motor vehicle, as originally manufactured, with motive power, a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride, a design to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, steering controlled by handlebars, acceleration and braking controlled by handlebar and foot controls, and the capability to reach speeds above 30 miles per hour. The change affects how federal motor vehicle safety standards classify motorcycles and motorcycle-like vehicles.
Who Benefits and How
Motorcycle manufacturers benefit from a clearer federal definition tied to original manufacture, controls, seating, wheels, and speed. Three-wheel motorcycle manufacturers benefit because the definition covers vehicles designed to travel on not more than three wheels. Motorcycle riders benefit from more predictable classification of vehicles subject to motorcycle safety standards. State motor vehicle agencies benefit from a federal definition they can reference when classifying motorcycle-like vehicles.
Who Bears the Burden and How
DOT rulemaking staff must issue the required regulation within 120 days. NHTSA vehicle standards staff must update 49 CFR 571.3 and related guidance. Manufacturers of borderline vehicles may need to adjust compliance classifications if their products fit or fall outside the new definition. Dealers selling motorcycle-like vehicles must track whether vehicles meet the updated federal definition.
Key Provisions
- Requires DOT regulations within 120 days to update the motorcycle definition in 49 CFR 571.3.
- Defines motorcycles by motive power, astride seating, no more than three wheels, handlebar steering, handlebar and foot controls, and speeds above 30 mph.
- Uses the vehicle as originally manufactured to determine classification.
- Provides a clearer federal safety-standard category for motorcycles and motorcycle-like vehicles.
Evidence Chain:
This summary is generated from the full bill text using AI analysis. Expand "Detailed Analysis" below for identified beneficiaries/burden bearers.
At a Glance
What This Bill Does
Requires DOT, within 120 days, to update the federal motor vehicle safety definition of motorcycle to cover originally manufactured powered vehicles with astride seating, no more than three wheels, handlebar steering, handlebar and foot acceleration or braking controls, and speeds above 30 mph.
Key Policy Areas
Transportation, Vehicle Standards, Motorcycles
Primary Purpose
Requires DOT, within 120 days, to update the federal motor vehicle safety definition of motorcycle to cover originally manufactured powered vehicles with astride seating, no more than three wheels, handlebar steering, handlebar and foot acceleration or braking controls, and speeds above 30 mph.
Policy Domains
Resolution provisions
Identified Gains
Contextual inference, no direct clause citation- Motorcycle manufacturers
- Three-wheel motorcycle manufacturers
- Motorcycle riders
- State motor vehicle agencies
Contextual inference, no direct clause citation
Identified Costs
Contextual inference, no direct clause citation- DOT rulemaking staff
- NHTSA vehicle standards staff
- Manufacturers of borderline vehicles
- Dealers selling motorcycle-like vehicles
Contextual inference, no direct clause citation
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
In CommitteeForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Mr. Van Orden introduced the following bill; which was referred …
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
We use a combination of our own taxonomy and classification in addition to large language models to assess meaning and potential beneficiaries. High confidence means strong textual evidence. Always verify with the original bill text.
Learn more about our methodology