Legal: Motorcycle License And Helmet Laws

[zelio]

4. Classes of license.
(3) Class C - A Class C license shall be issued to those persons 18 years of age or older, except as provided in Section 1503 (relating to persons ineligible for licensing) who have demonstrated their qualifications to operate any single vehicle with a gross vehicle rating of not more than 26,000 pounds... The holder of a Class C license shall be authorized to drive a motorized pedacycle or a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab, but not a motorcycle unless the license is endorsed.

I found this in the pa vehicle code, appears you don't need a mc license what do you guys think

That definitely sounds good. If that came out of your DMV regulations then I say you are good for an Elio. :-) Z

 

[rjhope]

Does anyone know where you can find a list of states that don't require helmets and license's at this point? What happens if your state doesn't require them but you drive thru a state that does?

Moderator Comment: Moved to existing thread on this topic

 

[Jeff Porter]

Does anyone know where you can find a list of states that don't require helmets and license's at this point? What happens if your state doesn't require them but you drive thru a state that does?

Hi RJ, here's a link to the map from Elio Motors, for the helmets. http://www.eliomotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/helmetlaws.pdf

A member of the forum, Zelio, may have a list of states that require motorcycle licenses, so will look for a reply from her.

 

[Ty]

Does anyone know where you can find a list of states that don't require helmets and license's at this point? What happens if your state doesn't require them but you drive thru a state that does?

Here's the most current list I can find... Well, it's a map:

http://eliomotors.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/1-elio_helmetmap_v5.jpg

5 states right now require helmets for 21 and over -- Nebraska, Missouri, Mississippi, West Virginia, and North Carolina. There are 10 states that have helmet laws for under 21s... My plan is to just drive on through... There are quite a few that still have a motorcycle endorsement requirement in the books that would affect the Elio. I'll bet that they'll change the laws as production approaches. At least, I hope so.

 

[Ty]

Hi RJ, here's a link to the map from Elio Motors, for the helmets. http://www.eliomotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/helmetlaws.pdf

A member of the forum, Zelio, may have a list of states that require motorcycle licenses, so will look for a reply from her.

LOL... you and I replied with the same map... You just beat me to the punch.

 

[Rickb]

I recently emailed the Idaho DOT asking about Elio's classification and licensing. Elio is currently classified a motorcycle requiring a MC Endorsement. The good news is that because of the email it sounds like this will be changed as they rewrite the 2015 Idaho MC Rules and Regulation Guidelines. Also, Elio's Gov't Relations Specialist is doing a followup contact. It may be beneficial to be proactive by contacting local Reps in your State. It will at least make them aware that the Elio is coming and let them know that other States have already made the necessary legislative changes.

 

[grampi]

I know we're discussing laws here, and many don't allow the use of common sense, but common sense tells me that being required to wear a helmet while operating, or being a passenger in an Elio is absolutely ridiculous....what they should do is regardless of weather the Elio is classified as a motorcycle or a car, the requirement of having to wear a helmet should be waived....

 

[Rickb]

I know we're discussing laws here, and many don't allow the use of common sense, but common sense tells me that being required to wear a helmet while operating, or being a passenger in an Elio is absolutely ridiculous....what they should do is regardless of weather the Elio is classified as a motorcycle or a car, the requirement of having to wear a helmet should be waived....

I agree. I think there are only 5 States where helmets are even an issue and would automatically be addressed in Elio's MC endorsement exemption.

Most of the time it's the lack of common sense that requires laws.

 

[EastCoastCentralFla]

Not true here in Florida. You have to take a course, before you can take a test. I've been told it cost between $100 to $150 to take a two day course. Then you can apply for a motorcycle endorsement test and the fees associated with that. I too already have a motorcycle endorsement, but if I didn't, I might have dismissed the Elio knowing I would have to go through all that to drive it. But, as Zelio said, they will probably iron all that out before the first Elio comes off the line.
Eligibility Requirements For a Motorcycle Endorsement

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have no traffic convictions for 1 year if you are under 18 years old.
• You must have at least a regular Class E driver license.
• You must complete the Basic Rider Course, regardless of age.
• Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP)
  Every motorcycle rider must complete a basic motorcycle safety course before obtaining a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle-only license. The course must be one that is approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
  
  The FRTP offers the safety education classes:
  • Basic RiderCourse (BRC): Entry-level skills for responsible riding. Training includes starting, stopping, turning, swerving, and cornering. Bikes, safety gear, and handbooks are provided. You'll need at least a Class E learner's license to

With the weight and number of wheels the Elio will be seen by Florida bureaucrats as a motorcycle. Welcome to the wonderful world of red tape. After the change in Tallahassee come November, I'll send a letter to the Governor and each of his three cabinet members, protesting the lack of insight concerning the current requirements and how they really don't fit the Elio. Me and my lower back don't want to learn how to ride a motorcycle when all I want to do is drive my new car. So contacts from constituents and letters and phone calls from Elio may shake some common sense into someone along the way.

 

[Neal]

Thats the cool thing about Texas (even though one won't be needed for the Elio). The classes you take supply the bikes and they are small tiny engined bikes. 2 day class and everyone passed. Then go to the DMV, show them you passed the class and take an easy short written test.