US Federal House Bill HB3385

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/14/25
• Refer: 5/14/25

Caption

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes.

Summary

HB3385 directs the Secretary of Transportation to update the federal regulatory definition of “motorcycle” in 49 C.F.R. § 571.3 to match a new statutory definition set out in the bill. The bill defines a motorcycle as a motor vehicle originally manufactured with motive power, a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride, no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, handlebars for steering, handlebar and foot controls for acceleration and braking, and the ability to exceed 30 miles per hour. The practical effect is to standardize how motorcycles are defined for federal transportation and vehicle safety purposes, which could affect vehicle classification, compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards, and how certain three-wheeled or motorcycle-like vehicles are regulated. By requiring the Department of Transportation to conform its regulations within 120 days of enactment, the bill would create a clearer and more specific federal definition that may influence manufacturers, regulators, and consumers of motorcycles and similar vehicles.

Impact

The bill would amend the federal regulatory definition of motorcycle by directing the Department of Transportation to revise 49 C.F.R. § 571.3 to match the definition in the legislation. This would affect federal vehicle classification and potentially the application of safety standards, certification requirements, and related regulatory treatment for motorcycles and some three-wheeled vehicles. It does not itself create a new criminal or tax regime, but it would change how federal transportation rules apply to affected vehicles and manufacturers.

Sentiment

Available legislative history shows little overt controversy: the bill was forwarded by subcommittee to the full committee by voice vote, suggesting broad procedural support at that stage. No committee transcript or recorded vote data is available here, so there is no evidence of organized opposition in the provided materials. Overall, the bill appears to have been treated as a technical regulatory update rather than a highly partisan measure.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the scope of the new definition and whether it could include or exclude certain three-wheeled, trike, or other motorcycle-adjacent vehicles from existing federal rules. Manufacturers, safety advocates, and regulators could differ on whether the definition is too narrow, too broad, or inconsistent with current vehicle designs and safety practices. However, the provided materials do not show any specific objections, amendments, or named opponents.