New York Moped Laws
Mopeds (Limited Use Motorcycles)
Are there any special requirements to operate a limited use motorcycle (moped) in NYS?
The Vehicle and Traffic Law defines a limited use motorcycle as "a low-speed vehicle with two or three wheels." Terms frequently used for limited use motorcycles are "mopeds" and "motor scooters."
The requirements to operate a moped are like those for motorcycles. You must have a driver license and you must register a moped to drive it on streets and highways. The exceptions to these requirements are listed in the table below. You can never operate a moped on a sidewalk.
The DMV certifies a moped as a Class A, Class B or Class C limited
use motorcycle according to top speed. The manufacturer requests
the certification through the DMV Technical Services Bureau. Only a
DMV-certified model of limited-use motorcycle can get a registration in
NYS. The phone number for the Technical Services Bureau is
To register your moped, bring the following to a DMV office:
- A completed form MV-82 (Registration / Title Application).
- A completed form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction for Sales Tax ) or proof of exemption or tax paid. (See the DMV Forms page for additional tax information and forms).
- Proof of ownership, normally the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), a bill of sale or a previous registration that was transferred to you.
- Proof of identity.
- Cash, check or credit card for the fee. Pay the fees and required sales tax.
| Guide to Limited-use Motorcycle Requirements | |||
| Class Determined by Range of Top Speed |
A Over 30 mph to 40 mph |
B Over 20 mph to 30 mph |
C 20 mph or less |
| License/Permit Required | Class M/MJ 1 | Any Class 1 | Any Class 1 |
| Registration Required? | YES | YES | YES |
| Headlight on When Operating? | YES | YES | YES |
| Helmet and Eye Protection Required? | YES | YES | Recommended |
| May Operate On | Any Traffic Lane | Right-hand Lane or Shoulder Only 2 | Right-hand Lane or Shoulder Only 2 |
| Insurance Required? | YES | YES | Recommended 3 |
| Inspection Required? | YES | Recommended | Recommended |
| Title Required? | NO | NO | NO |
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Motorized Scooters, Mini-Bikes, Dirt Bikes, Go-Karts, Motor Assisted Bicycles
You cannot register any of the motorized devices from the list below in NYS. You cannot operate these devices on sidewalks, public streets or highways in NYS. These devices are motor vehicles, but they do not have the correct equipment or design for operation on roadways.
- Motorized Scooter - a device with a motor
attached and a handlebar for a standing rider. An example of a
motorized scooter is the device called the
Go-ped®. - Mini-bike - a small, motorized device with two wheels and created for off-road use. A mini-bike does not qualify as a moped, a motorcycle or an ATV.
- Dirt Bike - a motorized device like a motorcycle, but created for and used for off-road use. Some "dirt bikes" qualify as an ATV. These vehicles can register and operate off-road as an ATV.
- Go-Kart - a small, motorized device with four wheels, created for off-road use. You cannot register a go-kart as a motor vehicle or ATV because a go-kart does not have the same equipment.
- Motor-assisted Bicycle - a bicycle to which a small motor is attached. A motor-assisted bicycle does not qualify for a registration as a motorcycle, moped or ATV and does not have the same equipment.
These devices are not allowed on any street, highway, parking lot, sidewalk or other area that allows public motor vehicle traffic. You are subject to arrest if you operate one of these motorized vehicles and do not have a registration, driver license, inspection, insurance or correct equipment. The DMV can not provide any information about operation of these devices on private property. Contact the local authorities and property owners.
