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Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Jun 2016
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OP
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Just thinking ahead regarding another possible benefit to the 3 Wheeler! I know motorcycles are allowed in the Carpool Lanes but I wasn't sure about the M3W. We are not required to wear a helmet here so I am a little bewildered regarding the legality of driving in this lane with only the driver. I know it would be permitted with a driver and passenger.
Anyone familiar with the specifics in this State? I would be curious how other States handle this situation too.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 76
Just Getting Started
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Just Getting Started
Joined: Jun 2015
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It seems pretty straightforward to me. You're not required to wear a helmet because California doesn't class it as a motorcycle. Ergo, no HOV for you! Up here in British Columbia a motorcycle is defined as a vehicle where the driver sits astride a saddle, regardless of number of wheels. But then, we're not allowed to have a new M3W here.
Tom Morris
1972 Plus 8
1932 Super Sport "Beetleback"
1961 Morris Minor Tourer
1972 Triumph T120V
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Florida issues a smaller motorcycle tag for the M3W
which qualifies it for any motorcycle road rulers.
Florida is also has a optional helmet rule.
Wind in my hair, what's left of it !
JV Sclafani
Boca Raton, FL
'13 M3W Metallic Orange Pearl
128CI Steered by Empire - Riding on Ohlins
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It is registered as a motorcycle in California. You do not need to wear a helmet or have a motorcycle endorsement because it is viewed to be in the "sidecar" class of motorcycle. Former Gov. Arnie famously talked his way out of a ticket at the Rock Store while riding his sidecar rig without a helmet or endorsement. I always wear a helmet, have an endorsement and avoid freeways whenever possible due to the large number of drivers trying to take your picture with their cell phones when they should be driving!
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,490
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Oct 2015
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In Maryland, it's s motorcycle but the regs for motorcycles say you don't need a helmet if you're in an "enclosed cab". I have 3,400 miles on in five months and have never worn a helmet. I've yet to be pulled over. If I ever do we'll see if a judge thinks I'm in an enclosed cab.
The Original Ken
11,000 miles.
2014 BMW R9T
2005 Saabaru
2005 Saabaru
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It seems like a win-win. No helmet, No motorcycle license, No required passenger in HOV Lane and No Sidecar. Life on the Left Coast and all without highly paid lobbyists on our side!
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Well, regardless of the regs and HOV, I cannot imagine anything more vehicularly unpleasant than taking a M3W out in traffic...like, LA?... during rush hour..in any lane and with or without benefit of helmet, passenger, or bureaucrat.
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Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
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In my "nanny" state of Washington it is licensed as a motorcycle and you need a helmet. Riding in HOV lanes is ok. I believe Oregon is the same. But then the gray area in the law says if it is mostly in closed and it has a steering wheel then you don't need to wear a helmet. My only test was a two mile trip in town with no helmet, I really felt naked.
1998 +8
SS Sport tuned exhaust
2013 M3W
Stage ll motor kit
Cats removed
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In my "nanny" state of Washington it is licensed as a motorcycle and you need a helmet. Sorry -- not so. In Washington state, if a three-wheeler has a steering wheel and seat belts, you do not need to wear a helmet. Take off your belts, and you need to wear a helmet. Department of Licensing says that you need two people in the car to use HOV lanes (unless the three-wheeler is tandem seating). However, a guy I know with a 2012 M3W knows the head of the highway patrol and is looking into the actual enforcement. Will update when I can confirm.
Last edited by JamesB; 05/08/16 03:40 AM.
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Joined: May 2016
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Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: May 2016
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In my "nanny" state of Washington it is licensed as a motorcycle and you need a helmet. Sorry -- not so. In Washington state, if a three-wheeler has a steering wheel and seat belts, you do not need to wear a helmet. Take off your belts, and you need to wear a helmet. Department of Licensing says that you need two people in the car to use HOV lanes (unless the three-wheeler is tandem seating). However, a guy I know with a 2012 M3W knows the head of the highway patrol and is looking into the actual enforcement. Will update when I can confirm. That’s odd my next-door neighbor is a Washington state highway patrol officer and he tells differently.
1998 +8
SS Sport tuned exhaust
2013 M3W
Stage ll motor kit
Cats removed
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