ODPS Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Moped Information

Know the Rules

• Wearing a protective helmet with the chin strap properly fastened is required if you are under 18;
• Mopeds must be equipped with at least one rear view mirror;
• Whenever practical, mopeds must be operated within three feet of the right edge of the roadway;

• Operators of mopeds may not carry passengers.

• To become licensed to operate a moped, 14 and 15-year-olds must pass the usual vision and written tests, as well as a road test. This rule also applies to persons not currently holding a valid operator's license, regardless of age.
• Probationary motorized bicycle licenses are required for 14 and 15-year-old operators.
• The probationary license can be revoked until the age of 16 if, EVEN ONE TIME, the operator violates state laws regulating moped operation or state or local traffic laws.

• Operators are required to obtain and display a rear license plate.

REMEMBER: A moped operator must obey the same traffic laws that apply to operators of bicycles and motor vehicles. This includes obeying all traffic signs and signals, traveling in the same direction as the rest of the traffic, signaling turns, and yielding the right of way.

What is a Moped?

Just because something looks like a moped, doesn't guarantee it is one in the eyes of the law. Only the Ohio Department of Public Safety can certify which vehicles meet state standards. You should not accept anyone else's statement that a vehicle is a moped.

• have a piston displacement of more than 50 cubic centimeters;
• produce more than one brake horsepower; and

• propel the vehicle at a maximum speed greater than 20 mph on a level surface.

If a vehicle exceeds any one of these criteria, it is legally a motorcycle. Be certain BEFORE you buy. Contact your local Deputy Registrar location, if you have questions.

Ohio's Moped Laws

• Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4511.521 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501.17, The kind of helmet to be worn is a motorcycle helmet meeting state and federal standards.
• ORC Section 4511.521, it is illegal for any person operating a moped to carry to carry a passenger on the vehicle.
• ORC Section 4511.521, you must stay within three feet of the right edge of the roadway unless it is not possible to ride there. So if you have to turn left, you may do so from a left-turn lane. Also, if you see an obstacle or road hazard up ahead, you are certainly permitted to steer around it, but use your rear view mirror to make sure you don't drive into the path of an oncoming car.
• ORC Section 4511.521, if you are under 18, you must wear a helmet. Older drivers don't have to do anything special to operate a moped if they're already have a valid driver's license, but wearing a helmet would be an extra safety measure.

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