| When operating any type of vehicle, it is crucial to | | | | vary within the United States as each state is |
| ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable | | | | permitted to set its own requirements. Licensing ages |
| laws and regulations. Failure to comply may result in | | | | and requirements will also vary from one country to |
| heavy fines, having your vehicle impounded, and even | | | | the next. |
| jail time. As such, it is vitally important to understand the | | | | In addition to obtaining the proper license, it is also |
| different licensing requirements and regulations for | | | | important to be aware of the specific laws and |
| different vehicles. The majority of people are familiar | | | | regulations relevant to your vehicle. For example, a |
| with the licensing requirements for non-commercial | | | | motorized scooter is permitted for use on highways |
| cars and trucks; however, they are often less clear | | | | and a moped is not. Just as licensing laws vary by |
| regarding the requirements for motorcycles, mopeds, | | | | state so do helmet and insurance laws. Some states |
| and motor scooters. | | | | require that helmets be worn at all times while driving a |
| A moped, or motorized bicycle, requires the | | | | moped or motor scooter and others do not. Insurance |
| possession of an M2 or M1 license. Additionally, you will | | | | requirements also vary from state to state. Prior to |
| be issued special license plates and identification cards | | | | purchasing your motor scooter, it is a good idea to first |
| upon payment of a one-time fee. To operate a motor | | | | research all laws and regulations associated with your |
| scooter, you are required to obtain an M2 or M1 | | | | vehicle so that you can be sure to always be in |
| license. This type of vehicle does not need to be | | | | compliance. An excellent resource for this information |
| registered. | | | | is your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. A quick |
| An M1 license allows the holder to operate any | | | | visit to your state's DMV website will often provide all |
| two-wheel motorcycle, motorized scooter, or motor | | | | the answers you need. If you find yourself with |
| driven cycle as well as all vehicles listed under a class | | | | additional questions, you may call your DMV or visit a |
| M2 license. An M2 license only allows for the operation | | | | local office for further information. The representative |
| of motorized bicycles (also known as mopeds), | | | | you speak with will be happy to answer all your |
| motorized scooters, and any bicycle with an attached | | | | questions and assist you in obtaining the proper license |
| motor. The minimum age for M2 and M1 licenses may | | | | and identification cards. |