About
New York law defines limited-use motorcycles, which are commonly called "mopeds" or "motor scooters", as "limited-use vehicles with two or three wheels."
Requirements
The requirements to operate a moped are like those for motorcycles. You must have a driver license and register your moped to drive it on streets and highways. There are exceptions to these requirements listed in the table below. You can never operate a moped on a sidewalk.
The DMV classifies a moped as a Class A, Class B, or Class C limited use motorcycle according to its top speed. Only a certified model of limited use motorcycle can get a registration in New York State (only the manufacturer can certify a moped).
The class is determined by the range of the vehicle's top speed.
| REQUIRED? | CLASS A, OVER 30-40 MPH | CLASS B, OVER 20-30 MPH | CLASS C, 20 MPH OR LESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver license / permit | M/MJ (Learner permit restrictions apply to all permit classes. Junior operator restrictions apply to class DJ and MJ permits and driver licenses. See information about the Graduated License Law.) | any license class (Learner permit restrictions apply to all permit classes. Junior operator restrictions apply to class DJ and MJ permits and driver licenses. See information about the Graduated License Law.) | any license class (Learner permit restrictions apply to all permit classes. Junior operator restrictions apply to class DJ and MJ permits and driver licenses. See information about the Graduated License Law.) |
| Registration | required | required | required |
| Headlight on when operating | required | required | required |
| Helmet & eye protection | required | required | recommended |
| May operate on | any traffic lane | right-hand lane or shoulder only (except when making a left turn) | right-hand lane or shoulder only (except when making a left turn) |
| Insurance | required | required | recommended (a Class C moped used as a rental vehicle must be insured) |
| Inspection | required | recommended | recommended |
| Title | not required | not required | not required |
Registration at Point of Sale
As of January 7, 2025, all mopeds sold by a New York State dealer must be registered at the time of sale. If you purchase a moped from outside of New York State, you must register your moped before you can drive it on streets or highways.
Apply for a Registration
Prepare Proofs
You can use the DMV Registration Guide to determine what documents you need to apply and then find office and reservation information.