The Legal Requirements of Driving a Motorcycle, Moped, or Scooter in Florida

Getting out on your motorcycle, moped, or scooter in Florida can be invigorating. In fact, little can compete with the sense of freedom it allows. If another driver, however, leaves you injured in an accident on a motorcycle, moped, or scooter, your injuries can be quite serious. To help ensure that you obtain the compensation you need to reach your most complete recovery, reach out to an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney today.

Title and Registration

Both motorcycles and scooters are required to be registered and titled in the State of Florida. Mopeds are also required to be registered, but because they are not powered by a motor that reaches a specific minimum, they are not required to be titled.

The Law in Florida

All of the following apply when it comes to operating a motorcycle, moped, or scooter in Florida:

The driver must be at least 16 years old and either possess a regular driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement or a license for “motorcycles only”. A learner’s permit does not suffice.
Those under the age of 16 are restricted from legally operating a motor scooter or moped on a street or roadway, but this does not preclude them from doing so on private property. Under no circumstances, however, can someone under the age of 16 operate a scooter that has a motor of over 150 ccs.
It is illegal to take a moped out on an interstate or highway. If a scooter can maintain a speed of at least 40 miles per hour and meets a specific motor requirement, it’s not illegal to take it out on an interstate or highway, but it is ill-advised.
It is illegal to ride a road’s yellow dividing lines on your motorcycle, scooter, or moped – just as it is illegal to travel on these lines to pass a stopped vehicle ahead.
If you are operating your scooter at a speed that is slower than the speed of traffic, you’re required to stay as close to the road’s rightmost edge as is safe (unless you are preparing to make a left turn). Otherwise, all the laws that apply to any other vehicle on the road also apply to you.
It is illegal to operate a motorcycle, scooter, or moped on a bike or pedestrian lane.

Insurance Requirements

Florida law does not require you to carry insurance for your motorcycle, motor scooter or moped. Nevertheless, such coverage is always recommended since you may be financially liable for any injury or damage you cause.

Seek the Professional Legal Counsel of a Tampa Motorcycle and Scooter Accident Attorney Today

As motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds continue to proliferate on our roadways, dangerous accidents become more and more common. If another motorist’s negligence leaves you injured in such an accident, the Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos recognize the seriousness of the matter and are committed to skillfully helping you obtain just compensation. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 813-223-6405 today.