AN ACT to clarify Off‑ROad motorcycle registration eligibility As Modified Utility Vehicles.

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. –

…

g2.       Modified utility vehicle. – A motor vehicle that (i) is meets the configurations enumerated in sub‑sub‑subdivisions 1. and 2. of this sub‑subdivision. Modified utility vehicle does not include an all‑terrain vehicle, golf cart, or utility vehicle, as defined in this section, or a riding lawn mower.

1.         A motor vehicle that is manufactured or upfitted by a licensed manufacturer, dealer, or person or business otherwise engaged in vehicle manufacturing or modification for off‑road use with equipment required by G.S. 20‑121.1(2a), except a vehicle identification number, and (ii) (i) has four wheels, an overall length of 110 inches or greater, an overall width of 58 inches or greater, an overall height of 60 inches or greater, a (ii) has a maximum speed capability of 40 miles per hour or greater, and (iii) does not require an operator or passenger to straddle a seat. Modified utility vehicle does not include an all‑terrain vehicle, golf cart, or utility vehicle, as defined in this section, or a riding lawn mower.

2.         A motor vehicle that is manufactured or upfitted by a licensed manufacturer, dealer, or person or business otherwise engaged in vehicle manufacturing or modification for off‑road use with equipment required by G.S. 20‑121.1(2b), except a vehicle identification number, and (i) has an engine displacement of 124cc or more, (ii) has a maximum speed capability of 40 miles per hour or greater, (iii) has a saddle for the use of the rider and passengers, and (iv) is designed to travel on two wheels in contact with the ground.

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 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. 20‑121.1 reads as rewritten:

§ 20‑121.1.  Operation of a low‑speed vehicle, mini‑truck, or modified utility vehicle on certain roadways.

The operation of a low‑speed vehicle, mini‑truck, or modified utility vehicle is authorized with the following restrictions:

(1)        A low‑speed vehicle may be operated only on streets and highways where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. A mini‑truck or modified utility vehicle may be operated only on streets and highways where the posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour or less. This subdivision does not prohibit a low‑speed vehicle, mini‑truck, or modified utility vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.

(2)        A low‑speed vehicle or mini‑truck shall be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, windshield wipers, speedometer, seat belts, and a vehicle identification number. Any such required equipment shall be maintained in proper working order.

(2a)      A modified utility vehicle meeting the configuration specified in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)g2.1. shall be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, a speedometer, seat belts, and a vehicle identification number. Any such required equipment shall be maintained in proper working order. If a modified utility the vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number, upon application by the owner, the Division shall assign a vehicle identification number to the modified utility vehicle prior to registration. The operator of and all passengers on a modified utility vehicle that is not equipped with a windshield and windshield wipers shall wear a safety helmet, with a retention strap properly secured, that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.

(2b)      A modified utility vehicle meeting the configuration specified in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)g2.2. shall be equipped with equipment required by this Chapter for the highway use of motorcycles and a vehicle identification number. Any such required equipment shall be maintained in proper working order. If the vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number, upon application by the owner, the Division shall assign a vehicle identification number to the vehicle prior to registration. The operator of the vehicle must be licensed to operate a motorcycle as required by G.S. 20‑7. The special provisions for motorcycles under G.S. 20‑140.4 apply to the operator and passengers of the vehicle.

(3)        A low‑speed vehicle, mini‑truck, or modified utility vehicle shall be registered and insured in accordance with G.S. 20‑50 and G.S. 20‑309.

(4)        Notwithstanding the provisions of any other subdivision of this section, the Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of low‑speed vehicles, mini‑trucks, or modified utility vehicles on any road or highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

(5)        Low‑speed vehicles must comply with the safety standards in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500.

(6)        Regardless of age, a mini‑truck shall not qualify as an antique vehicle or historic vehicle as described in G.S. 20‑79.4(b).

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