Info On Ga Motorcycle License And Helmet Requirement

[LockMD]

This is great! We already don't have to worry about helmets and it looks like we may not have to worry about the MC license either.

I could be wrong but the article I posted that was on Yahoo news suggested this will be the case for every state. Or, did I read it wrong?

 

[goofyone]

I could be wrong but the article I posted that was on Yahoo news suggested this will be the case for every state. Or, did I read it wrong?

At this point in time it is not the case however Elio Motors has a team led by their Vice President for Government Affairs, Joel Sheltrown, who is actively working to insure that this will be the case as soon as possible with the target being to have everything resolved before the vehicles are delivered.

Elio Motors has a nice blog post where this issue is discussed:

http://blog.eliomotors.com/lets-talk-about-laws-5-16-14/

 

[goofyone]

At goofyone's suggestion, I dropped a note to Joel Sheltrown, Elio's VP of Gov't Affairs, asking if he knew Georgia's position on whether a MC license will be required here. I got an immediate response, which seems to be good news. Here 'tis:
I believe the language in GA already exempts for M license through a technicality in language. That said, DPS employee working the issue said: “Interesting. You may be right” I am asking for a determination on that, but at any rate, GA wants to make the change to accommodate the exemption. We already have a helmet exemption in statute. We will get it done before production!. If not, I will rely on the current statute which seems perfectly clear to me!

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,

Joel

I posted the information above on the Elio Motors Owners of Georgia Facebook group, ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/GAElioOwners/ ) which I also help moderate, and one of the other members asked for details regarding what exactly the exception is which may allow GA residents to drive an Elio without need for a M license endorsement. I invited Joel Sheltrown, Elio's VP of Gov't Affairs, to comment and he did so providing this information:

Ok, here you go! As promised, you can see in GA Code that we do not fit the description of a motorcycle in the endorsement section. This section defines a motorcycle as having a "saddle for the use of the rider". We have a seat. As trivial as it seems, that does make a difference. Therefore, we cannot be bound by the requirements of that particular section if we don’t fit the definition.

However, in the general definitions of GA Code, a motorcycle is defined as having "a seat or a saddle” So, that would mean that the Elio would be classified and registered as a motorcycle.

Of course, as already mentioned, there is an enclosed cab exemption for the regarding helmets so no helmet would be required either.

To go further in explanation, legislatures sometimes use definitions in different sections of law that only apply to that particular section for the purposes of providing exemptions, etc. Then they will use a general definition to apply so the vehicle fits a category and can be registered. MA is like that, (although I can’t seem to get them confirm or deny my arguments. But, it is perfectly clear there, and no helmet or endorsement can be required there.. same situation as GA.

I have spoken with GA DPS about the issue and the attorneys are reviewing my position. They are going to let me know. I would imagine they would want to clarify the exemptions in Code sometime in the future, but as it stands, I believe without a doubt that no endorsement or helmet is required in GA.

So GA Elioites, if the above is as clear as mud, I’ve done my job!

Here is the language I based my position on:

A Class M license is required to operate, legally, a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in Georgia. Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor and moped (with engine size less than 50CC), are defined as motorcycles. Georgia law places all types of motorcycles including scooters, motorbikes and minibikes (with engine size 51 CC or greater) into one classification. All are considered motor-driven cycles

Definitions GA Code:
: Motorcycles
40-1-1(29) - Every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor, all-terrain vehicle, and moped.
See 40-6-310-316

 

[XanWolf]

This thread seems pretty old. Has GA made any progress in making a definitive stance on vehicles like the Elio?

 

[X72]

This thread seems pretty old. Has GA made any progress in making a definitive stance on vehicles like the Elio?

I am hoping first that the Elio comes to production as is being hinted at in 2017. Second, I am hoping I will not have to get a Class M endorsement since I do not have one, I am committed to buying an Elio, and I do not know how to ride a motorcycle. I am normally not an optimist, but I am when it comes to the Elio and getting things worked out. Wishing us all luck !

 

[Ty]

I am hoping first that the Elio comes to production as is being hinted at in 2017. Second, I am hoping I will not have to get a Class M endorsement since I do not have one, I am committed to buying an Elio, and I do not know how to ride a motorcycle. I am normally not an optimist, but I am when it comes to the Elio and getting things worked out. Wishing us all luck !

I didn't look it up but I hope you don't have to get the endorsement as well. It doesn't make sense to make someone who will be DRIVING an Elio to take a motorcycle RIDING test.

Oh, and Welcome to the forum!

 

[Sidecar Bob]

X72 Welcome to the FUN!

 

[Lynn D]

X72 welcome to the party.

 

[airforceguy6]

I am hoping first that the Elio comes to production as is being hinted at in 2017. Second, I am hoping I will not have to get a Class M endorsement since I do not have one, I am committed to buying an Elio, and I do not know how to ride a motorcycle. I am normally not an optimist, but I am when it comes to the Elio and getting things worked out. Wishing us all luck !

Hi X72, welcome to the website. I'm not aware of current law in your state, however if you end up needing to get your motorcycle license, I definitely recommend going through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to get it.

I have been through several of their classes (including when I first needed to get my license, and I never even touched a motorcycle before) and they give an in depth look into the operation and safety aspect of riding a motorcycle. There were people of all ages and riding history attending the course, so you don't have to be afraid of not knowing where to start, as they literally walk you through it. All you have to do is complete the MSF course, take your certificate to your DMV, and pass the written test.

My wife did the same thing and got her license with never riding before.

https://www.msf-usa.org/

 

[Ty]

Hi X72, welcome to the website. I'm not aware of current law in your state, however if you end up needing to get your motorcycle license, I definitely recommend going through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to get it.

I have been through several of their classes (including when I first needed to get my license, and I never even touched a motorcycle before) and they give an in depth look into the operation and safety aspect of riding a motorcycle. There were people of all ages and riding history attending the course, so you don't have to be afraid of not knowing where to start, as they literally walk you through it. All you have to do is complete the MSF course, take your certificate to your DMV, and pass the written test.

My wife did the same thing and got her license with never riding before.

https://www.msf-usa.org/

... as did my wife. Like you said... they literally walk you through it. The first "on bike" task we had was to straddle the bike and walk it across about 30 feet.