Pennsylvania Moped Laws

FACT SHEET
MOPEDS, MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES

PURPOSE
This fact sheet provides the most accurate and up-to-date information necessary to operate and register a
moped, motor-driven cycle or motorcycle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Specific definitions and criteria
are listed below to assist in determining the proper procedures for operating the particular vehicle in question.
Please note that a motor-driven cycle must exhibit a motorcycle plate when driven.
Owners of these types of vehicles are required to acknowledge the Financial Responsibility Statement and
provide insurance information. PennDOT will be unable to renew or transfer a registration, if the self-certification
of financial responsibility is not completed on the registration application, as follows:
1. Name of the insurance company insuring the vehicle.
2. The policy number, effective date and expiration date of the insurance policy.
A motorized scooter is a 2-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine or an electric motor and does not have a seat
or saddle for the driver. These vehicles are not exempt from titling and registration requirements as set forth
by PennDOT and would be required to pass equipment standards and inspection requirements. However,
these vehicles do not comply with the equipment standards and inspection requirements for motor vehicles, and
cannot be titled or registered within the Commonwealth. In addition, these vehicles cannot be operated on
Pennsylvania roadways or sidewalks.
In addition, PennDOT does not title and register all-terrain vehicles (ATV). Application for title and registration
for ATV type vehicles must be submitted to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR),
Snowmobile and ATV Licensing Unit, P.O. Box 8553, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8553. ATVs may not be
reconstructed for highway use and may only be used off road. ATVs used exclusively for farm purposes are
not titled or registered by DCNR or PennDOT. A multi-purpose agricultural vehicle, which is also an ATV, is
exempt from registration.

MOPED DEFINITION: A motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals, a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake
horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission,
and a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour, or an electric motor-driven
cycle equipped with operable pedals and powered by an electric battery.
CRITERIA: 1. Engine may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters.
2. Engine may not exceed 1.5 brake horsepower rating.
3. Operable pedals required.
4. Automatic transmission required.
5. Design speed may not be more than 25 miles per hour.
6. Does not require inspection.
7. Moped plate issued.
8. Annual registration fee is $9.
9. No helmet or eye protection required for driver.
10. Class C, Non-Commercial Driver’s License required.

MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE DEFINITION: A motorcycle, including a motor scooter, with a motor, which produces horsepower not to exceed
5 brake horsepower.
CRITERIA: 1. Horsepower is not more than 5 brake horsepower.
2. Inspection required.
3. Motorcycle plate issued.
4. Annual registration fee is $9.
5. Individuals who meet the following criteria are able to choose whether to wear a motorcycle
helmet:
.. The operator or any occupant of a 3-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab.
.. A person 21 years of age or older who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at
least two years.
.. A person 21 years of age or older who has completed a motorcycle rider safety course
approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
.. The passenger of a person who is exempt, if the passenger is 21 years of age or older.
6. Eye protection required.
7. Class M or a Class M with an “8” restriction required on driver’s license. NOTE: An “8”
restriction prohibits the driver from operating a motor-driven cycle 50CCs or larger.
NOTE: The holder of a Class C, Non-Commercial Driver’s License is authorized to drive a
motor-driven cycle, which has an automatic transmission and a cylinder capacity not exceeding
50 cubic centimeters.

MOTORCYCLE
DEFINITION: A motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not
more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
CRITERIA: 1. Inspection required.
2. Motorcycle plate issued.
3. Individuals who meet the following criteria are able to choose whether to wear a motorcycle
helmet:
.. The operator or any occupant of a 3-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab.
.. A person 21 years of age or older who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at
least two years.
.. A person 21 years of age or older who has completed a motorcycle rider safety course
approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
.. The passenger of a person who is exempt, if the passenger is 21 years of age or older.
4. Eye protection required.
5. Annual registration fee is $18.
6. Class M (motorcycle) required on driver’s license.
7. Class M or a Class M with a “9” restriction required on driver’s license. NOTE: A “9”
restriction prohibits the driver from operating a 2-wheeled motorcycle.
NOTE: Side-cars are not titled or registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Do I need a Class M (motorcycle) license to operate a moped?
No, as long as you have a valid Class C, Non-Commercial Driver’s License you may operate a moped.

Do I need a Class M (motorcycle) license to operate a motor-driven cycle?
Maybe. Motor-driven cycles that have a manual transmission or a cylinder capacity greater than 50 CC’s require the rider to have a Class M driver’s license. If the motor-driven cycle has an automatic transmission and a cylinder capacity of 50 CC’s or less, the rider only needs a Class C driver’s license.

If you are interested in obtaining a license to operate a motor-driven cycle, you can apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit on a DL-5 form. After successful completion of the licensing exam, you will be issued a motorcycle license with the “8” restriction indicating that you are restricted to a motor-driven cycle.

Do I need a helmet or eye protection to operate a motor-driven cycle?
Yes. All motorcycle riders and passengers must wear eye protection. Since a motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle, Pennsylvania law requires any person who operates a motorcycle to wear protective headgear. You are required to wear a helmet. (NOTE: An exemption is available for riders that are at least 21 years of age and have either been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least 2 years or have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.)