New US bill could make the Polaris Slingshot and other three-wheeled vehicles completely illegal to register overnight
Published on Mar 17, 2026 at 6:31 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Mar 16, 2026 at 8:32 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Fans of the Polaris Slingshot in the United States could be set to suffer with a new bill potentially making it and other three-wheeled vehicles illegal.
These cars are officially classed as three-wheeled autocycles, but are different from bikes such as the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler.
However, a new bill, House Resolution H.R. 3385, could basically make them illegal in the United States, unless owners can find a way to register them for road use.
As some of the most enjoyable vehicles on the road, some have likened this to a move from the ‘fun police.’
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This is what the new bill says about the Polaris Slingshot
House Resolution H.R. 3385 was brought forward by Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden earlier in 2026.
The resolution aimed to narrow down the definition of a ‘motorcycle’ in America.
Should the bill pass, three-wheeled vehicles will be excluded from this category.
The bill states that vehicles within this category should be steered with handlebars and not a steering wheel.
A motorcycle would also be defined as any vehicle with a seat or saddle, with no more than three wheels.
If the bill passes, the definition will come into effect 120 days from its approval.
But, as vehicles like the Polaris Slingshot aren’t classed as cars, owners are going to be scratching their heads.
What’s next for three-wheeled vehicles in America?
As they only have three wheels, the Slingshot and other vehicles can’t be classed as cars.
Hence, the designation of a three-wheel autocycle.
Other vehicles, such as the Vanderhall Venice, would also be impacted by the new resolution.
However, the Motorcycle Industry Council has formally opposed H.R. 3385
If the bill removed the category for them, the Slingshot, Venice, and others would effectively become illegal.
Not only would it be illegal to register them, but it may also be illegal to sell them in America.
The council said that the move would place the autocycles into a ‘classification limbo.’
State laws would be ‘thrown into chaos,’ and many states use the federal definition of a motorcycle to set their laws.
The autocycle market, in one fell swoop, would be eliminated overnight, and jobs may be cut.
This could rumble on for some time to come.
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Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
