GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2025

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE BILL 847

Short Title:      Clarify Motorcycle Registration Eligibility.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representative Scott. For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
Referred to:	Transportation, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

April 10, 2025

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to clarify motorcycle registration eligibility.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑4.01 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑4.01.  Definitions.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply throughout this Chapter to the defined words and phrases and their cognates:

…

(27)      Passenger Vehicles. –

…

h.         Motorcycles. – Vehicles having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including any such vehicle that (i) is upfitted by a licensed manufacturer, dealer, or person or business otherwise engaged in vehicle manufacturing or modification for off‑road use and highway use with equipment required by this Chapter for the highway use of motorcycles and (ii) has an engine displacement of 124cc or more and a maximum speed capability of 40 miles per hour or greater. This definition also includes autocycles, motor scooters, and motor‑driven bicycles, but excluding excludes tractors and utility vehicles equipped with an additional form of device designed to transport property, three‑wheeled vehicles while being used by law‑enforcement agencies, electric assisted bicycles, and mopeds as defined in sub‑subdivision d1. of this subdivision.

…."

SECTION 2.  G.S. 20‑54 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑54.  Authority for refusing registration or certificate of title.

The Division shall refuse registration or issuance of a certificate of title or any transfer of registration upon any of the following grounds:

…

(8)        The vehicle is a golf cart or utility vehicle. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "utility vehicle" shall not include a motorcycle designed for both off‑road and highway operation, provided that the motorcycle meets all of the requirements for highway operation imposed by this Chapter.

…."

SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2025.