Amends GS 20-4.01(27) toadd an autocycle as a type ofpassenger vehicle.Definesautocycle as "a three-wheeled motorcycle with a steering wheel, pedals, seat safety belts for each occupant, anti-lock brakes, air bag protection, completely enclosed seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride, and is otherwise manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles." Amends the definition for motorcycle to include autocycles. Makes a technical change, re-lettering sub-subsections.

Under current law, GS 20-7(a2) identifies persons that are eligible to operate a motorcycle with a motorcycle learner's permit. Amends GS 20-7, adding subsection (a3) to provide that subsection (a2) does not apply to autocycles and that a person operating an autocycle must have a regular driver's license. Amends subsection (c) of thisstatute to prohibit a person from using an autocycle to complete a road test required by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Makes an organizational change to GS 20-37.16(c), adding headings to clarify the endorsements required to drive certain vehicles and the vehicles that be driven with the specified endorsements. Provides that for purposes of subsection (c), the term "motorcycles" does not include autocycles. Provides that under this section, autocycles are subject to the same endorsement requirements as motor vehicles.

Amends the following sections to provide that for the purposes of each of these sections, the term "motorcycle" does not include autocycles: (1) GS 20-124(d) (brake requirements), (2) GS 20-125.1(d) (directional signals), (3) GS 20-129(c) (required lighting equipment of vehicles), (4) GS 20-130(a) (spot lamps), and (5) GS 20-131(a) (requirements as to headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps). Provides that for the purposes of each of the above listedstatutes, autocycles are subject to the requirements under each section for motor vehicles.

Adds a new subsection (d) to GS 20-135.2. Provides that under this statute, the term "motorcycle" excludes autocycles. Requires every autocycle registered in North Carolina to have at minimum one set of seatbelts for the front seat of the autocycle and specifies that the safety belt must meet the same requirements as those for safety belts in motor vehicles.

Amends GS 20-135.3 to include autocycles in seat belt anchorage requirements for rear seats of motor vehicles. Provides that for the purposes of this section, the term "motorcycles" does not include autocycles.

Amends GS 20-140(a) to exclude the operator of or passengers in an autocycle from the requirementsregarding wearing of safety helmets.

Amends GS 20-146.1(b) to provide that this subsection, which limits motorcycles to operating no more than two abreast in a single lane, does not include autocycles. Restricts autocycles to operating not more than one abreast in a single lane.

Makes a conforming change to GS 20-127(c)(1).

Effective October 1, 2015. Provides that prosecutions for offenses committed before this act's effective date are not abated or affected by this act and that statutes that would apply except for this act will continue to apply to those prosecutions.