tcg20
New Member
- Local time
- 6:20 AM
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2009
- Messages
- 7
Getting my bike back up and running, brushing up on MN motorbike law. Looks like they've really upped the ante since last I knew.
Brief summary:
Mopeds (or motorized bicycles) have a piston displacement of 50cc or less, two-brake horsepower or less, and are not able to go faster than 30 mph on a level surface, as defined by Minnesota lawmakers. If a vehicle exceeds any of these categories, it will likely be classified as a motorcycle.
If you have a driver's license, you're legally allowed to drive a moped. If you don't, you'll need to obtain a moped operator's permit. Applicants must be at least 15 years old.
Moped drivers need to carry liability insurance, but riders of electric-assisted bicycles do not. Mopeds must be titled at registered at a Driver and Vehicle Services location, much in the same manner as a car.
Mopeds must be registered in Minnesota. A title or proof of sale of the moped is required for registration, along with a photograph. After registration, mopeds are required to have license plates
Mopeds are not allowed on lanes and trails that have been set aside for bicycles.
Riding on sidewalks is not permitted except where it would be necessary for a short distance.
Mopeds do not need to be inspected in Minnesota.
Moped riders must wear eye protection at all times.
To operate a moped when it is dark outside, it must be equipped with a headlight that meets the standard set for motorcycles.
Motorcycle Law:
All motorcyclists must do the following:
* Have a motorcycle instruction permit or a motorcycle endorsement.
* Register their motorcycle and display a valid license plate.
* Carry liability insurance for their bike and proof of insurance when riding.
* Wear eye protection, either a face shield, goggles, or glasses.
(No MN helmet laws w00t)
Motorcycle permit holders:
* Must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
* Cannot carry passengers.
* Cannot ride on interstate freeways.
* Cannot ride at night.
Misc. Law:
Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of their lane and have all the rights and responsibilities of other drivers.
Minnesota motorcyclists are protected under Minnesota motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Minnesota motorcyclists.
Headphones / earphones: one ear only.
Motorcyclists must not carry anything that interferes with holding onto the handlebars.
All laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs apply to motorcyclists as well.
Penalties for riding without a motorcycle endorsement or instruction permit include up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and having the motorcycle towed and impounded.
Motorcycle equipment
For street-legal motorcycles:
- if the motorcycle has a passenger seat, it must also have passenger footrests.
- a rear view mirror, horn, and muffler are required equipment.
- the headlight must be on at all times when riding. Motorcycles are required to have at least one, but not more than two, headlights with both high and low beam. Headlight modulators are legal in Minnesota as an exception to FMVSS 571.108.
- a red tail light is required, including a brake or stop lamp. A "blue dot" on the tail light of up to one inch in diameter is legal.
- at least one brake is required, front or rear, which may be operated by hand or foot.
Oh yeah and no lane splitting. I've always thought that should be legal in US. Virtually all other countries allow it. And they're usually better motorists. Not just for that reason but my point is traffic in Europe, South America, and India is far more challenging than US resulting in more awareness. I'd love to line up with cars an zoom through the middle of a pack accordian tag style. That'd make them aware of motorbikes lol.
I've put about 3000mi on my motorbike, and it's made me respectfully aware of the poor ability of most drivers out there. So that's my rule of the road, assume you're the only one with their eyes open.
http://www.smsa.org/motorcycle_awar.../bumper_stickers/start_seeing_motorcycles.php
Brief summary:
Mopeds (or motorized bicycles) have a piston displacement of 50cc or less, two-brake horsepower or less, and are not able to go faster than 30 mph on a level surface, as defined by Minnesota lawmakers. If a vehicle exceeds any of these categories, it will likely be classified as a motorcycle.
If you have a driver's license, you're legally allowed to drive a moped. If you don't, you'll need to obtain a moped operator's permit. Applicants must be at least 15 years old.
Moped drivers need to carry liability insurance, but riders of electric-assisted bicycles do not. Mopeds must be titled at registered at a Driver and Vehicle Services location, much in the same manner as a car.
Mopeds must be registered in Minnesota. A title or proof of sale of the moped is required for registration, along with a photograph. After registration, mopeds are required to have license plates
Mopeds are not allowed on lanes and trails that have been set aside for bicycles.
Riding on sidewalks is not permitted except where it would be necessary for a short distance.
Mopeds do not need to be inspected in Minnesota.
Moped riders must wear eye protection at all times.
To operate a moped when it is dark outside, it must be equipped with a headlight that meets the standard set for motorcycles.
Motorcycle Law:
All motorcyclists must do the following:
* Have a motorcycle instruction permit or a motorcycle endorsement.
* Register their motorcycle and display a valid license plate.
* Carry liability insurance for their bike and proof of insurance when riding.
* Wear eye protection, either a face shield, goggles, or glasses.
(No MN helmet laws w00t)
Motorcycle permit holders:
* Must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
* Cannot carry passengers.
* Cannot ride on interstate freeways.
* Cannot ride at night.
Misc. Law:
Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of their lane and have all the rights and responsibilities of other drivers.
Minnesota motorcyclists are protected under Minnesota motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Minnesota motorcyclists.
Headphones / earphones: one ear only.
Motorcyclists must not carry anything that interferes with holding onto the handlebars.
All laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs apply to motorcyclists as well.
Penalties for riding without a motorcycle endorsement or instruction permit include up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and having the motorcycle towed and impounded.
Motorcycle equipment
For street-legal motorcycles:
- if the motorcycle has a passenger seat, it must also have passenger footrests.
- a rear view mirror, horn, and muffler are required equipment.
- the headlight must be on at all times when riding. Motorcycles are required to have at least one, but not more than two, headlights with both high and low beam. Headlight modulators are legal in Minnesota as an exception to FMVSS 571.108.
- a red tail light is required, including a brake or stop lamp. A "blue dot" on the tail light of up to one inch in diameter is legal.
- at least one brake is required, front or rear, which may be operated by hand or foot.
Oh yeah and no lane splitting. I've always thought that should be legal in US. Virtually all other countries allow it. And they're usually better motorists. Not just for that reason but my point is traffic in Europe, South America, and India is far more challenging than US resulting in more awareness. I'd love to line up with cars an zoom through the middle of a pack accordian tag style. That'd make them aware of motorbikes lol.
I've put about 3000mi on my motorbike, and it's made me respectfully aware of the poor ability of most drivers out there. So that's my rule of the road, assume you're the only one with their eyes open.
http://www.smsa.org/motorcycle_awar.../bumper_stickers/start_seeing_motorcycles.php