You require a license or permission in order to ride a motorcycle. The question of whether a motorcycle license is necessary in order to operate a moped, however, may cause some misunderstanding.
Understanding the state regulations for license requirements is crucial because breaking them could result in hefty fines.
So, do you need a motorcycle license for a moped? You need a motorcycle license in some US states to ride a moped. Before you get on your moped and ride it without a license, you need to be sure you know how big its engine is and what size it is. If you drive a moped without a motorcycle license, you risk receiving a large fine.
The typical query, “Do you need a motorcycle license for a moped?” will be addressed in this article. We will also discuss licensing requirements and processing times under various states’ laws.
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Does Riding a Moped Require a Motorcycle License?
In several US jurisdictions, a motorcycle license is indeed required to drive a moped. Before riding a moped without a license, always be sure to examine the size of the engine and the moped’s dimensions.
If you drive a moped without a motorcycle license, you risk receiving a large punishment. You can also have to pay a tax penalty or serve a few months in jail.
State License Requirements in the United States
Many states require motorcyclists under the age of 18 to have a motorcycle permit before applying for a license. In a similar spirit, riders who already possess permits can become licensed by logging the necessary number of hours behind the wheel alongside a licensed driver.
If you want to learn How to Get a Motorcycle License in Arizona, click here.
Drivers who are older than 18 years old are eligible for licenses without first needing to obtain a permit. For a moped, the licensing procedure is not exactly the same. Mopeds are distinct from scooters and motorbikes. They are renowned for their cheap maintenance costs, high fuel efficiency, and smaller size than motorcycles.
Mopeds have a 50cc motor and are more convenient for commuting. It might be smaller in other circumstances. They can go 40 mph and get great gas mileage. They can have pedals or a step-through structure.
Note: Mopeds are much slower than scooters, which have a larger motor and can travel at 75 mph. Like motorcycles, mopeds can not be appropriate for all types of roadways.
Do Mopeds and Scooters Require a License?
Your choice of state for moped use will determine the answer. Depending on the laws in the specific state, you might need a motorcycle license to operate a moped in various circumstances. For instance, because scooter engines are 150cc, they require a motorcycle license and registration regardless of where you live.
On the other hand, lighter mopeds only have 50cc-sized engines. As a result, a moped might not need to be registered or have a motorbike license.
If you want to learn How to Get a Motorcycle License in Hawaii, click here.
However, other jurisdictions, including California, demand a learner’s permit or a normal driver’s license even if a moped has a 50cc engine. Other states might set age restrictions for riders even though they don’t want a license. North Carolina is a good example, where passengers must be at least 16 years old.
In Arkansas, you must be at least 10 years old to operate a moped, whereas in New Mexico, you must be at least 13 years old.
If you want to learn How to Get a Motorcycle License in Miami, click here.
Higher age restrictions apply to moped riders in a number of other states. Typically, the age ranges between 14 and 16 years old. In Alaska, Kansas, and Alabama, the legal age to operate a motorbike or scooter is 14. When compared to other states, it is slightly higher in Hawaii, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, all of which have a minimum age of 15.
Note: Some states also mandate an educational program for drivers who do not fulfill the minimum age requirement, which ranges from 16 to 18 years in many other states.
Additionally, the majority of states demand a driver’s license or a motorcycle license if your moped has an engine larger than 50cc. In the event that you obtain a standard driver’s license, it should also contain a motorbike endorsement.
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Vespas, for instance, are scooters rather than mopeds. If a Vespa has a larger engine size than 50cc, the rider must have a motorcycle license in order to ride it.
However, you can operate a 50cc Vespa in many states using a regular driver’s license. Indiana, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Colorado, North Carolina, New York, New Hampshire, Iowa, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oregon, Virginia, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are among them.
If you want to learn How to Get a Motorcycle License in Texas, click here.
Because the Honda Grom’s engine is larger than 50cc, you must obtain a motorcycle license in order to operate other types of motorcycles.
What about the Honda Ruckus? Since the motor of this moped is 49cc, a motorcycle license is not required to operate it. A standard driver’s license or a motorcycle license can both be used to ride the Honda Metropolitan, which also has a 49cc engine. You must obtain a motorbike license if your moped does not qualify for an exception to this rule.
Which States Require a License for Mopeds?
Driving a moped or scooter requires a license in 44 of the 50 states. There are six of those in which you do not. Scooters and mopeds are subject to a wide variety of licensing, equipment, registration, and other rules that vary from state to state.
Here is a list of states where you need a license to ride a moped:
- Alabama requires a restricted “B” motorcycle license. The legal age limit is 14.
- Alaska requires one of three types of motorcycle licenses. 14 is the minimum age
- Arizona requires a motorcycle license. The age requirement is 16.
- California requires no license if the motorcycle cannot exceed 20 miles per hour. An M1 or M2 license is required for mopeds.
- Connecticut requires a standard driver’s license (Class D).
- Delaware requires a driver’s license.
- Georgia: You must have a valid driver’s license and be a minimum of 15 years old. Scooter riders can participate in a license waiver scheme.
- Hawaii requires a driver’s license.
- Idaho requires a valid driver’s license.
- Illinois only requires a valid state driver’s license for scooters and mopeds under a particular size.
- Indiana requires one of three different types of licenses.
- Iowa requires a motorcycle license.
- Kansas requires a standard driver’s license.
- Kentucky requires either a standard driver’s license or a moped license.
- Louisiana: A standard driver’s license is required.
- Maine: You must be at least 16 years old and possess a driver’s license.
- Maryland: A driver’s license is required.
- Massachusetts requires a driver’s license and a minimum age of 16.
- Michigan requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.
- Minnesota requires a license or permission.
- Mississippi requires a driver’s license endorsement.
- Missouri requires a motorcycle license.
- Montana requires a valid driver’s license.
- Nebraska: A valid driver’s license is required for public roads, and a motorcycle license is required for motorized scooters.
- Nevada: Any class of driver’s license is valid for operating a moped on public streets.
- New Hampshire: A valid driver’s license or moped license is required.
- New Jersey: A motorcycle license or a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement is required.
- New Mexico requires a valid driver’s license.
- New York requires a Class M license for motorized bikes with a top speed of 30 miles per hour, whereas any class of driver’s license will do for scooters and mopeds.
- North Dakota: You must be at least 14 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
- Ohio requires a motorcycle endorsement or a separate license. In addition, your minimum age must be 16.
- Oklahoma requires a Class A, B, C, or D driver’s license.
- Oregon requires a driver’s license.
- Pennsylvania: A Class C driver’s license is required. A Class M license is required for motorized bikes.
- Rhode Island requires a regular driver’s license.
- South Carolina: To operate a moped, you need a Class D, G, or M license. A Class M license is required for scooter drivers.
- South Dakota requires a Class 1 driver’s license.
- Tennessee requires a valid driver’s license but not a motorbike endorsement.
- Texas requires a Class M motorcycle license for mopeds with a top speed of 30 miles per hour on level ground.
- Utah requires a motorbike license.
- Vermont: A Class C driver’s license is required to operate a moped.
- Washington requires a valid driver’s license.
- West Virginia requires a valid driver’s license.
- Wisconsin requires either a regular driver’s license or a moped-only license.
Which States Don’t Require a License for Mopeds?
Here is a list of states where you don’t need a license to ride a moped:
- Arkansas requires no license.
- Colorado requires registration but not a license.
- Florida does not require a driver’s license.
- In North Carolina, driving a moped does not require a license. Drivers must be 16 years old or older.
- Virginia: No license is required.
- Wyoming: Check with your local county, although there are no license requirements in general.
How Much Time Does It Take to Get a Motorcycle License?
Your age and level of riding experience are two factors that affect how long it takes to earn a motorcycle license. After completing the road test, riders who already possess a permit and some riding experience can obtain their motorcycle license.
If you want to learn How to Get a Motorcycle License in California, click here.
The time it takes to obtain a motorcycle license may be longer for novice riders. In most states, in order to be eligible for a motorbike license, an individual must be at least 18 years old, or legally underage.
Additionally, students must drive with their learner’s permit until they have logged a certain amount of hours on the road. Even though it may take months, they will eventually be able to obtain an endorsement license.
What Sanctions Can You Get if You Ride Without a License?
In most places, operating a motorcycle without a license can result in jail time and hefty fines. Driving a motorcycle without a license carries a $1,000 fine or a six-month prison sentence in jurisdictions like California.
Tax penalties are applied to unlicensed drivers in other states. Repeat violators face a stiffer penalty as well. In a similar vein, skipping the license fee may result in expensive fines.
If you want to learn How to Get a Motorcycle License in Washington, click here.
This is why it is important to know the type and dimensions of the moped’s engine before riding. You may proceed if it satisfies the conditions to bypass a motorcycle license.
Additionally, the prerequisite for a regular driver’s license remains unchanged. To drive a moped, you need a license, but not a motorbike license. Fines and/or incarceration may result from breaking this rule.
Are Mopeds and Motorcycles Subject to Different Traffic Laws?
All vehicles, whether they are cars, motorbikes, mopeds, or scooters, must abide by the same traffic laws. However, in order to avoid fines, it is vital to be aware of any additional rules that apply to mopeds in your area.
Mopeds are not permitted to be driven in the middle of lanes in any state. Mopeds cannot be driven side by side in some states.
Additionally, mopeds are slower because of their smaller engines. This implies that you can’t ride them on major highways. It is best to stay on highways with modest speed restrictions.
Additionally, the majority of states mandate that mopeds have turn signals, bells or horns, tail lights, and headlights. The laws in each state may be a little bit different, so be sure you are aware of them.
If you want to learn How to Get a Motorcycle License in New Jersey, click here.
States may also have various requirements for wearing a helmet. For both riders and passengers on a moped, 20 states have approved helmet designs.
Note: Some states, nevertheless, simply mandate helmet use for juvenile riders. States like Delaware mandate that motorcyclists always have helmets with them. Only riders under the age of 19 are required to wear them, though.
In states like Rhode Island, it is the passengers who are required to wear helmets, not the riders. Moped helmet regulations do not exist in other states like Illinois, Iowa, or Colorado. If the moped lacks a windshield, some additional states require riders to wear goggles.
Final Thoughts
Make sure you know the laws of the state you ride in because, as you can see in this article, each state has its own regulations and laws that we need to follow.