ML for trike?

I know this has to have been asked before but I don't know the answer, so
I'm asking the learned folks here. I have a couple of friends that have
bought trikes and they are needing to know if a motorcycle license is
required to ride VW trikes. Most of the folks that ride trikes, do have
MLs, because they rode bikes before... but some don't.
So far, the DPS has said they do have to have a motorcycle license but no
one can produce the "code", showing it as "law". If anyone has the
definative answer (such as code #), it would be appreciated.

Now for an update on the bad trike:
Our friends brought the trike to Joe. He's working on it as he has time.
Seems he's had quite a few other "jobs" come in; other trikes, motorcycles,
etc., so he's put that one on the back burner, since our friend went out and
bought a "running" trike. Now that he's done with all the other bikes and
trikes, he can finish up Liz's trike today. Now... the "other trike" she
bought, has some wiring problems. He'll probably soon have to work on that
one too. Joe's thinking he might ought to just start building trikes
himself. He's seen all the "mistakes", so he knows what not to do. Joe
is a "do it right the first time" kind of guy.

Joe did some welding on a busted frame the other day. Someone else had
tried to weld it and they just "daubed" at it, with no telling what. It was
just a big glob of metal. Where they had tried to "repair" it, the whole
thing just shattered and the frame was completely apart. When Joe lifted
the trike, the front wheel stayed on the ground! I must say that when Joe
got done, it was beautiful, strong and smooth as silk. I knew he was good
but this was amazing. I'm his "gofer" and _spotter_ and I really need to
be taking "before" and "after" pics. The owner saw it after Joe finished
and couldn't even tell where the frame had ever been busted. He also had to
do carburator and oil pump repair on the trike, replace the seat bolt,
repair the T bolt that holds the tanks and more repairs that I can't
remember. The owner can ride it now.

Yeah, I think Joe should build trikes, not just repair them. He'll
guarantee his work, as he always does. He just needs to get his shop built
first, if he ever finds the time. <g> He retired from his regular job but
now he's working even more. At least he's enjoying what he does now.

Anyhoo, if anyone has info on MLs for trikes, we'd sure like to know it. We
want to make sure these good folks are legal, when they ride. Thanks.

Ride safe,

 

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/txmclaws.htm#Chapter 2

they are considered to be motorcycles per the code, read subtitle (9):

TRC 541.201.

VEHICLES.


In this subtitle:

* * * * *

(8) "Moped" means a motor-driven cycle that cannot attain a speed in one
mile of more than 30 miles per hour and the engine of which:

(A) cannot produce more than two-brake horsepower; and

(B) if an internal combustion engine, has a piston displacement of 50
cubic centimeters or less and connects to a power drive system that does
not require the operator to shift gears.

(9) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is
equipped with a rider's saddle and designed to have when propelled not
more than three wheels on the ground.

(10) "Motor-driven cycle" means a motorcycle equipped with a motor that
has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or less.

************

If it's a motorcycle, which a three wheeler is by the above legal
definition according to the SoT, they will need a motorcycle license.


nice to hear Joe's enjoying his retirement, tell him hi for me.

 

Thanks AV. If that's the case, then they should be able to take their
driving test on the trike, since it is considered a "motorcycle".

Joe said thanks and "hi" to you too.

 

: Anyhoo, if anyone has info on MLs for trikes, we'd sure like to know it. We
: want to make sure these good folks are legal, when they ride. Thanks.

From <http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/txmclaws.htm>:

Quote:

TRC §541.201.

VEHICLES.

In this subtitle:

* * * * *
(9) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is
equipped with a rider's saddle and designed to have when propelled not
more than three wheels on the ground.

End quote.

And from <http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/txmclaws.htm#Chapter 3>

Quote:

TRC §521.084.

CLASS M LICENSE.

A Class M driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to
operate a motorcycle or moped.

TRC §521.085.

TYPE OF VEHICLE AUTHORIZED.

Unless prohibited by Chapter 522, the license holder may operate any
vehicle of the type for which that class of license is issued and any
lesser type of vehicle other than a motorcycle or moped.

End quote.

The law defines a motorcycle as having 3 or fewer wheels, then says you
need a Class M license for a motorcyle.

Seems pretty clear to me.

By the way, a Google search of "texas motorcycle license" gives the DPS
page that links the other pages.

Good luck to Joe in his trike building.

 

Yes, thanks. I found all that about the same time AV posted it.

Thanks George, I'll tell him. He has to get his shop finsihed first, build
us a wind generator and then he can build trikes.