Post by bluestyles on May 12, 2013 20:39:03 GMT -5
www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/State-Laws.aspx?stateid=9
DMV.org is another resource:
www.dmv.org/fl-florida/motorcycle-license.php
For Florida the basics are:
As the Sunshine State, Florida is an ideal home for motorcycle enthusiasts who love to ride throughout the year. Obtaining legal authorization for those rides is important, though. If you ride a two- or three-wheeled motorbike with an engine of 50 cc or more, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your regular driver license, or a motorcycle-only license. The endorsement fee is $7.
Helmet Laws
If you're at least 21 years old and have a minimum medical insurance policy of $10,000, you can bypass wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Otherwise, you'll have to wear a helmet.
All riders must have some sort of eye protection, such as goggles or glasses, or have a windshield on the bike.
Mopeds and Scooters
Obtain a regular Class E driver license or higher; a motorcycle endorsement is not necessary. You'll still need to register your moped or scooter with the Division of Motor Vehicles, however, and all passengers younger than 16 will be required to wear protective headgear.
Mopeds
State legislators define a moped as a vehicle fitting all of the following criteria:
Pedals that allow you to propel the vehicleA seat for the rider Three or fewer wheels Motor of two-brake horsepower or lessMaximum speed of 30 mph on level groundAutomatic power-drive systemDisplacement of 50 cc or less (for those with an internal combustion engine)Mopeds need to be registered at a county tax collector office. The registration fee is $34.50, and you must renew your registration every year.
You'll receive a motorcycle plate for your moped. If you're under 21 and the registration is in your name, your plate will have a distinctive design and color.
Moped drivers need to have at least a Class E driver's license, and be 16 or older to drive a moped on a public road. A motorcycle endorsement isn't required.
You will not be allowed to ride your moped on bike or foot paths. All passengers under 16 must wear a helmet.
Moped drivers aren't required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance.
Be aware that moped drivers have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. And, yes, moped drivers can receive traffic tickets, too.
Scooters
Depending on its makeup, a scooter could be classified as a motorcycle, moped, or even a bicycle/motorized scooter.
A motorized scooter is defined as a vehicle without a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on three or fewer wheels, and a maximum speed of 30 miles mph on level ground. You are required to have at least a Class E driver's license and be 16 years old to ride a scooter.
You cannot register or title a motorized scooter, and you cannot drive a motorized scooter on sidewalks.
See where your scooter falls under these categories, and then follow the appropriate rules and procedures. If your vehicle meets the requirements for regular motorcycles, you'll need to title and register it accordingly. See our Motorcycle Registration section for full details.
DMV.org Florida Moped/Scooter link:
www.dmv.org/fl-florida/other-types.php
There is some confusion in Florida since if you call your insurance agent and ask if Motorcycle insurance is required they will most likely say No. The Florida Statutes state that you Are required to carry insurance.
Chapter 324.021 talks about the requirement to have insurance for the motor vehicle. The minimum required is $100,000 per person and up to $300,000 per incident for bodily injury and up to $50,000 for property damage and is detailed in multiple sections of the Chapter.
Florida PIP or Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law
It is required for a motorized vehicle and covered in Chapter 627.730 and 627.7405.
Chapter 627
INSURANCE RATES AND CONTRACTS specifically 627.733 Required Security
(3) Such security shall be provided:
(a) By an insurance policy delivered or issued for delivery in this state by an authorized or eligible motor vehicle liability insurer which provides the benefits and exemptions contained in ss. 627.730-627.7405. Any policy of insurance represented or sold as providing the security required hereunder shall be deemed to provide insurance for the payment of the required benefits; or