Three-Wheeled Vehicle Classification

Three-Wheeled Vehicle Classification

Three-wheeled vehicles such as the Slingshot and Can-Am Spider are becoming more popular, and thus more questions have arisen about classification, licensing, and helmets. In July 2018, the Dept. of Public Safety Legal Review sent out the following information:

O.C.G.A. 40-1-1(29) defines a motorcycle as every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, excluding a tractor, all-terrain vehicle, and moped. Therefore, these vehicles are generally considered to be motorcycles.

Despite the general classification of a Slingshot as a motorcycle, O.C.G.A. 40-5-23(c) states that a person with a Class C driver’s license may operate any 3-wheeled motor vehicle that is equipped with a steering wheel for directional control.

According to O.C.G.A. 40-6-315(a), no person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety. *The headgear standards are described in Dept. Public Safety Rule 570-13-02. Although Slingshot operators are exempt from licensing requirements, they must comply with the other rules of the road that apply specifically to motorcycles.

Ride Safe!

Chuck Watwood
LawBike.com
770-650-0016