By Troy Christianson

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Question: What are the driver’s license requirements and equipment laws for the new three-wheel type motorcycle vehicles?

Answer:  The law changed on Aug. 1.

An auto cycle is a motorcycle that:

• has three wheels in contact with the ground

• is designed with seating that does not require operators or occupants to straddle or sit astride it

• has a steering wheel

• is equipped with anti-lock brakes

• is originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for motorcycles.

Under the revised law, a person may operate an auto cycle with a valid class D driver’s license. A motorcycle endorsement or a three-wheel motorcycle restriction is not required.

Auto cycles are equipped with bucket seats and have standard seat belts so all seat belt and child restraint laws would apply. 

Persons riding in an enclosed cab auto cycle are exempt from wearing protective headgear and eye-protective device. Polaris Slingshots, for example, are open cab and would then require proper headgear/eye protection. 

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848. Or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.