Motor vehicles; autocycles, headgear equipment required for operation

HB 56 requires autocycle operators and passengers to wear protective headgear and shoes meeting motorcycle safety standards, ending an existing exemption. It directly affects owners and riders of three-wheeled autocycles (vehicles designed with a steering wheel, roll cage, and three ground wheels). The bill amends Alabama law to apply the same headgear and footwear requirements from motorcycle regulations (Section 32-5A-245) to autocycles, effective October 1, 2026. This change applies to all autocycle operation, excluding enclosed cabs. The bill is pending in the House Public Safety Committee as of January 2026.