Page 5 - Hobe Sound Reflections - October '21

Hobe Sound, Page 5

Local Government from page 4 • Be at least 16 and, if under 18, hold a
learner’s license for one year with no traffic
a regular operator (Class E) or “Motorcycle Only” driver convictions. FS 322.05(1) and 322.05(2)(a)
license (reason: even though these vehicles are 50 cc or • Pass the same knowledge test as for a
less, they still fall under the driver’s license law definition regular operator’s (Class E) driver license.
of “Motor Vehicle,” and a driver’s license is required FS 322.12(5)(a)
to operate a “motor vehicle”). FS 322.03(1), 322.01(26), • If at least 21, you may take the safety
and 322.05 (1) course or pass the motorcycle knowledge
Is there a motorized vehicle you can operate and skill tests.
without a driver’s license? • Your driver’s license will be restricted
Yes, if at least 16, you may ride a bicycle with an to operating “Motorcycles Only”. FS
electric helper-motor that cannot go faster than 20 mph on 322.12(5)(a)
level ground, per FS 322.03(1), 322.01(26), and 316.003(2). Can I upgrade to a regular license
http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/mtcynewlaw.html later and have the “Motorcycle Only”
Florida Rider Training Program, (850) 487-1227 restriction removed?
What are the requirements for obtaining a Yes, by passing the regular motor
Temporary “Instruction Permit” for motorcycle vehicle driving test in a regular four-wheel
operation? FS 322.07(1) motor vehicle. FS 322.12(5)(a)
Effective July 1, 2008, Florida will no longer issue What if someone brings a three-wheel
instructional permits for motorcycle operation. motorcycle or a sidecar motorcycle for
What does getting a “Motorcycle Only” driver his or her motorcycle skill test?
license involve? Who can get one? Applicant will be required to complete
the sidecar/trike Motorcycle Safety Course. Applicants
completing the sidecar / trike course will be restricted to
three-wheel motorcycles only.
Is a license required to operate mopeds, motorized
scooters/skateboards, go-carts, or other small engine
vehicles?
• These vehicles are not designed for operation
on public roads. If someone does so anyway, law
enforcement officers can ask to see a valid driver license
because these vehicles are “Motor Vehicles” under driver
license law [FS 322.01(26)], and a driver’s license is
required to operate any motor vehicle, per FS 322.03.
Are you required to wear a helmet and eye
protection to ride motorcycles? How about mopeds
and scooters?
• Motorcycles: Those 21 and older can ride without
a helmet if they carry proof of Personal Injury Protection
or proof of health insurance, such as an employee
health insurance card. The coverage amount must be
at least $10,000 to pay for treatment of injuries that
may result from a motorcycle crash. Those under 21
operating motorcycles (or riding as a passenger) must
wear a department-approved motorcycle helmet without
exception. FS 316.211(1) and (2)
• Mopeds/Scooters: If a motor vehicle is 50 cc or
less, two-brake horsepower or less, and cannot exceed
more than 30 mph on level ground, no helmet is required
for the operator, but they must be at least 16 years old
and hold at least a regular operator license (Class E) or
“Motorcycle Only” license. Any passenger under 16 must
wear a helmet.
• Eye Protection: All persons who operate motorcycle
(50 cc or more) must wear eye protection.
• Eye Protection: Required if capable of more than
30 miles per hour.
Is insurance required for motorcycles?
Under certain circumstances, Yes. See below about
your financial responsibility.
• Insurance is not required to register motorcycles as
with four-wheel motor vehicles [FS 627.733]; however,
if a motorcycle operator is charged in a crash with
injuries, the motorcycle owner or owner/operator
is financially responsible for bodily injuries and
property damage to others. If no liability coverage was
in effect, then bodily injury/property damage liability
insurance must be purchased and kept for three years to
avoid financial responsibility, (license and registration)
suspension or to reinstate license and tag/registration
after suspension. FS 324
http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/mtcynewlaw.html

Local Government on page 6