Monday, February 13, 2012

Are pocket bikes legal to drive on public roads in Virginia?

Im not sure if they fall in the category of "moped" as defined by the dmv.



please dont tell me how they are a disgrace to motorcycles or anything of that sort, i just want a straight answerAre pocket bikes legal to drive on public roads in Virginia?
No, pocket bikes differentiate from the definition of a moped by the fact that many have a seat height that is shorter than mopeds nor do they have a VIN. For this reason, many pocket bikes fit the definition of a motor-driven cycle.



Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, section 100, provides that:

"Motor-driven cycle" means every motorcycle that has a gasoline engine that (i) displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters; (ii) has a seat less than 24 inches in height, measured from the middle of the seat perpendicular to the ground; and (iii) has no manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.…



Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, section 911.1, provides that:

No person shall operate a motor-driven cycle on or over any public highway in the Commonwealth.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.…

("Highway" includes streets and roads, § 46.2-100.)



“Recently, there has been a growing interest in a type of vehicle called a "Motor-Driven Cycle." These types of vehicles are like a miniature replica of a real motorcycle and are fully operational… The operation of these cycles on public highways is prohibited.”



*/End of Line.
One could easily argue that since mopeds as defined by the Commonwealth do not require pedals, so a pocket bike with a VIN and taller seat height would therefore meet the definition of a moped and fall under all the terms of that category. If such thing exist, I could not say.

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Are pocket bikes legal to drive on public roads in Virginia?
Well that was certainly uncalled for. If you would open your mind and listen then you would know that I can name at least three states that permit modified pocket bikes to operate at lower speeds on the right-side or shoulder of a public street lawfully.

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They are legal as long as you do not exceed 30mph.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/06/AR2005070601001.html

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Are pocket bikes legal to drive on public roads in Virginia?
pocket bikes are considered toys by the leo's. they are NOT in the moped category. take this toy out on the street and a leo sees u, u will find urself in the back seat of the cruiser, and the bike impounded. they're 100% illegal to be on the street. private property only. and no, u legally cannot ride them in a parking lot either. u wanted a straight answer.....there it is. no, nein, nyet, nada. NOT LEGAL.
no state permits pocket bikes on the street. they cannot be licensed, titled, or can u buy license plates for it. anything that operates on a public street has to have a title, registration, and license plate in addition to: horn, brake lights, turn signals, head light, and mirrors. even if a pocket bike has the above, they still cannot be titled, registered, or put plates on it. they are strictly for private property. understand this.....if the cops see u on a pocket bike on the street, it will be seized and impounded on the spot. it doesnt matter if its 50cc's. they're too small to be in traffic. i can guarentee u that if u are on a pocket bike, and a car smacks u, the car driver will NOT get any tickets, and will be absolutely NOT LIABLE for any injuries. ur choice man. if u want to waste ur money on one, be my guest....the va dmv will confirm that pocket bikes ARE NOT LEGAL for street use.
For what it is worth, the Virginia DMV site defines pocket bikes as mopeds, and says:



Virginia Code section 46.2-100 defines a moped as a vehicle that:



travels on three wheels or less,



has a seat that is at least 24 inches high

and



has a gasoline, electric, or hybrid motor that displaces less than 50 cubic centimeters.

Operation of mopeds on highways and public vehicular areas by persons under age 16 is prohibited by Virginia law.



Moped riders must carry some form of identification that includes name, address, and date of birth.



Although you do not need a driver's license to operate a moped, you may not operate a moped if you have been declared a habitual offender or your license is suspended or revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.



Moped drivers are required to abide by the same traffic laws and regulations as automobile drivers. Detailed information on Virginia's traffic laws and regulations is available in the Driver's Manual. In addition, certain local governments may impose restrictions on moped operation.



All DUI laws apply to mopeds operated on public highways.



You may also want to review the Motorcyle Operator Manual. Information specific to moped safety is available online as well.



Hope that this helps, and hope you have a great day.

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