A very simple solution for RS68 requirements

[2old2learn]

Should be simple, purchase a used motorcycle, pull the motor and put a 50 cc two stroke on it, get it licensed, obtain a motorcycle license, and buy insurance!

 

[Gene]

IF you want to talk about what constitutes proper and adequate lighting for night riding that is one thing. If you want to talk about providing the DMV with the lighting to meet the requirements of RS68 that is a different thing. The requirements for RS68 are not in the realm nor are they specific to any DOT standards. IF you choose to ride illegally all your wonderful lighting is not going to save you from a ticket. If the system I posted works for what it is intended then for $29.00 that is great. Especially if you don't ride at night.

 

[Barnfresh]

I see what your getting at Gene, if slapping one of these Chinese POS blinky things gets you past a pinch point at the DMV to get your bike legal (in their eyes) that's great! But I wouldn't say that it conforms to any type of legal standards pertaining to lighting requirements for mopeds as directed by RS68.

RS68 clearly states;
A. This procedure (RS-68) is applicable when a gas motor/engine kit has been installed on a bicycle frame and the motor:
NOTE:
- Is not rated in excess of 2 brake horsepower
- Is not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 mph on level
ground
- Displacement does not exceed 50ccs
If all of the above applies, the vehicle would fall within the classification of a moped. Therefore, it would be required to be registered, but not titled.

RS68 also notes;
Section 316.46, Florida Statutes, states that no person may operate a moped that does not conform to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards relating to lights and safety and other equipment contained in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

You will find these safety standards the same as for motor driven cycles. Motor-driven cycle is defined as a motorcycle with a motor that produces 5-brake horsepower or less and because mopeds and motor-driven bicycles fall into this category they must abide by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards including D.O.T. approved lighting as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations and as established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you were still playing in that grey area (prior to RS 68) and making the claim that it's just a bicycle with a little helper motor slapped on it then you might say that it doesn't need to have DOT approved lights, rims, tires etc., since bicycle safety reqirements fall under the guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Now that the genie is out of the bottle you can't have it both ways, picking and choosing which laws suit your bike (or pocketbook) best. There is a way now to legally register as a moped and when you do you now assume the legal obligation to abide by moped safety standards.

 

[Gene]

If it passes the DMV Inspection it is legal enough. And I doubt the DMV has any idea either. I hear some are getting their tags without even having an inspection of any sort too. I fact I registered mine and never had an inspection. Anyone here have an inspection?

 

[butterbean]

IF you want to talk about what constitutes proper and adequate lighting for night riding that is one thing. If you want to talk about providing the DMV with the lighting to meet the requirements of RS68 that is a different thing. The requirements for RS68 are not in the realm nor are they specific to any DOT standards. IF you choose to ride illegally all your wonderful lighting is not going to save you from a ticket. If the system I posted works for what it is intended then for $29.00 that is great. Especially if you don't ride at night.

My lighting will not save me from a ticket, that is true. But it will save my ass from getting run over because people will see me, and I don't have to worry about disposable batteries dying on me. Anything that DOES provide adequate lighting should pass legal requirements. If you're only worried about legal requirements and not safety, you've got the wrong attitude. My tail light is a 30 led strip. I wired up a circuit that allows it to go slightly dimmer for a tail light but still bright enough to be seen at night, and it goes full brightness for the brake light. It is BLINDINGLY bright. It doesn't have turn signals, but the led strip cost me 8 bucks, the tail light housing cost 15 and the parts for the circuitry cost maybe 50 cents. I bought resistors and diodes I'm bulk for about a buck and a half each. Florida does not require turn signals for motorized bicycles afaik. My lighting system cost a bit more than that tail light, but its much better. If you want to use that "smart" tail light, go ahead I'm not stopping you. But I'm more worried about safety and reliability than what might pass legal requirements. On a side note, what exactly did you have to do to register, what did it cost and do you have to have a license and insurance? What did you register as?

 

[Gene]

You say your lighting won't save you from a ticket. I agree but a registration will. I think we are talking about two different things. What you have accomplished is great for riding at night. I never ride at night as do many others so our concerns are different that yours. But the jist of the thread is not adequate lighting for night riding, it is how to get passed the requirements for a registration in Florida. That is my understanding as well about turn signals as custom built motorcycles do not need turn signals. As for me I went to the DMV gave them the serial number of the bike and a bill of sale and they asked if it had pedals and they gave me a tag. That was it a registered moped in 15 minutes.

 

[butterbean]

It was originally you that said my lighting wouldn't save me from a ticket. When you went to the DMV, did you have to show them a drivers license? Do you have to have insurance? And how much did it cost? Is the tag for life?

 

[Gene]

I think you understand I was talking about the need for a tag. You do not need to have a license to register a vehicle. You do not need insurance for a moped. and the tag costs 36 dollars a year and is renewable even if laws change regarding mopeds. The best part it is transferable to other states if they have a moped designation.

 

[butterbean]

I'm going to do this then, if its that easy. Just need to have someone write up a bill of sale for me. I don't have receipts for anything.

 

[Gene]

Well let's see what happens to you. The people who complain about this have been very vocal here but those who have obtained tags have not reported their experience since RS68 went into effect.