Sen. Lombardo’s bill that licenses 3-wheeled motorcycles through the DMV passes the Senate
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Frank Lombardo’s (D-Dist. 25, Johnston) legislation (2021-S 0442Aaa) which would provide that three-wheeled motorcycles be included under the licensing requirements of the RI Division of Motor Vehicles (RIDMV) passed the Senateo drive three-wheeled motorcycles are forced to either get a full motorcycle license or they go to Massachusetts in order to attain a special intermediate license to operate these vehicles.
Frankly that makes no sense, and this bill brings that process back to Rhode Island where it belongs. It will ensure that only licensed drivers are on our roads while also allowing recreational riders more flexibility in riding their vehicles legally,” said Senator Lombardo.
The legislation states that in order to drive a three-wheeled motorcycle on any public highway in the state, the driver must first obtain a special motorcycle license from the RI DMV. Three-wheeled motorcycles with a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour or less would be exempt.
The course of instruction necessary to obtain this license will provide students with a minimum of 16.5 hours of combined classroom instruction, and on the range motorcycle training for a beginner rider course, and a minimum of five hours for a licensed rider course.
All applicants must pass a written, vision, road sign and road test, unless exempted, in order to be granted a license.
The bill does not apply to the operation of recreational vehicles, including all classes of all-terrain vehicles, nor does the bill authorize their registration by the RIDMV.
The legislation does not allow ATV’s or other similar vehicles to be operated on public roadways legally.
The bill now heads to the House for consideration where Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) has introduced the legislation (2021-H 5380).