H.R.3385 - To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3385 aims to update the definition of "motorcycle" in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations aligning the definition with specific criteria related to vehicle design and performance. This includes requirements for seating, wheel configuration, steering, and speed capabilities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to standardize the definition of a motorcycle for regulatory purposes. This could impact vehicle classification, safety standards, and potentially insurance requirements for certain types of vehicles. It may also affect which vehicles are subject to specific state and federal laws regarding motorcycle operation.
Potential Benefits
- Clarity in Regulations: A standardized definition reduces ambiguity for manufacturers and consumers.
- Safety Standards: Updated definitions can ensure safety regulations are appropriately applied to different vehicle types.
- Consistent Enforcement: Law enforcement can apply regulations more consistently with a clear definition.
- Innovation: A clear definition can foster innovation in motorcycle design without regulatory uncertainty.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Exclusion of Vehicles: The updated definition might exclude some vehicles currently considered motorcycles, impacting owners and manufacturers.
- Compliance Costs: Manufacturers may face costs to ensure their vehicles meet the new definition.
- Potential for Confusion: If the new federal definition differs significantly from state definitions, it could cause confusion.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses narrowly on definition, potentially overlooking other important aspects of motorcycle safety and regulation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By setting a federal standard for motorcycle definitions, the bill could be seen as facilitating interstate commerce in motorcycles and related products. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or freedoms protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).