The Basics of Moped Laws in Missouri
As with all states, with the passing of House Bill No. 1963 in 2012, Missouri’s moped codes were updated and consolidated, creating the present day language for riding status with the laws. This specific bill applied to mopeds, motorbikes, and motorcycles but in this post we will only cover mopeds as it is specific to 49cc’s and below.
The other two forms of vehicles are not usually a form of commuting. A motorcycle is set up for travelling on the interstate and highway lines and has higher speed capabilities. Motorbikes are generally set up for off-road riding and will not be covered in this blog post.
So when you see a 49cc sticker on a moped this is the most common size moped. Legally in the state of Missouri, a moped is defined simply as any vehicle that meets the requirements of section 302 . 010(10). The most significant requirement is that the vehicle must not have an engine whose size is greater than 50cc’s. As defined in the previous post, 1 cubic centimeter (cc) is equal to 1/1000 of a liter. Therefore, 50cc is equal to 50cc or approximately 3.06 cu in. in the imperial measurement system. Less than 50cc means the vehicle is exclusively a moped and thus falls under the moped laws of the state of Missouri.
On the other hand, a non-moped motorcycle (which would include those over 50cc s) would be specifically covered under the motorcycles and motorbikes laws of Missouri. Going over 50ccs in Missouri can also classify a moped as a motorbike depending on exactly how it is set up and the speed capabilities and materials used in the construction of the vehicle.
Licensing a 49cc Moped in Missouri
In order to operate a 49cc moped on public roadways in Missouri, the state law requires that the operator be both properly licensed and insured. Although the concept of licensing in Missouri is straightforward, there are nuanced differences that drivers need to be aware of. Moped drivers should be aware that since a 49cc motorbike is not considered a motorcycle, a special motorcycle operator’s permit or license (commonly referred to as an "M endorsement") is not required. However, they must still be licensed properly to enjoy the full legal protection and privileges of Missouri drivers. As per the Missouri Department of Revenue, the minimum age required to be eligible for a valid driver’s or motorbike permit is 15 years of age. Drivers under 18 will be required to obtain a certificate of completion for an approved driver’s education course before they can obtain a full, non-restricted license. Obviously, if you have been involved in a 49cc moped accident in Missouri and do not have a valid license you are going to have a difficult time convincing the court that you were not at fault for the accident.
Insurance and Registration for Missouri Mopeds
You might have seen the three little letters "LDT" on the back of a Missouri license plate. What does it mean? It stands for "motor driven cycle with a displacement up to 250 cc that has been licensed as a motorcycle but is operated with an invalid or no motorcycle license?"
What does that mean? Also known as a "motorized bicycle," it is the Missouri legislative acknowledgment that some light scooters and mopeds and e-bikes which fall outside the normal category of "bicycle" are too fast to be driven on streets and roads without a license.
Still, we all see them. A proud moment for a teenager. A little moped like the one on this page can be had for under $2,000 most places. It’s like a moped from the 1980s.
I know one man who built his own moped out of a bicycle and a weed whacker engine. It was not much faster than the average cyclist out on the road.
But even if the street is your garage, you may want to avoid the problem with the law.
So let’s talk about registration.
Technically every vehicle that is not a bicycle is required to be registered in Missouri. If you plan to drive a moped or motorized bicycle on the road, you’re going to need to pay for that registration, and somewhere on the front of that little scooter you’re going to need to stick a little sticker which says "LDT" right on it.
If you want to drive a "motorized bicycle," defined in RSMo. 302.010(17) as a bicycle that is either (a) equipped with a helper motor not exceeding 50cc if an internal combustion engine; or (b) with an electric helper motor that only produces an output maximum of 750 watts, you might already have a license to drive it, and its sticker says "motor driven cycle."
In either event, the same process applies.
To register and pay for your sticker, you’re going to have to either go to the local county office which handles the titling and registration of motor vehicles, or you’re going to need to go pay for the sticker at any place that sells license plates, including the public library and the post office.
If you don’t want to drive on a street, you can build your own vehicle out of your lawn mower and a bicycle frame and avoid that whole registration thing. But that precludes driving on the road.
Insurance
Do you need insurance to drive a moped? Not just yet. But – that might change.
The state of Missouri isn’t going to make a decision for you on whether or not to insure your own personal property. They can’t.
But in the past few years, as the use of mopeds and scooters has increased, attempts to require companies to insure these vehicles are passed around with great regularity in the Missouri legislature.
Missouri law requires that any time you apply for a driver’s license, you have some form of proof that you’re covered by insurance, and a lapse in that coverage is grounds for suspension of your driver’s license. But that does not apply to motorized bicycles and scooters.
Whether or not they will soon – indeed, as early as the time you read this post in 2020 – start requiring you to insure your moped, we’re all still waiting to see.
Safety and Equipment Rules for Mopeds in Missouri
In addition to the myriad of laws covering where, when and how a 49cc requires a person to ride and a person to own one, there are also numerous safety standards and equipment laws. As the name indicates, this section covers standards and equipment that is required on vehicles. These laws do not cover standards and equipment (such as driver licensing, insurance, registration and titling) that may be required of a person.
Helmet Laws
Unlike motorcycles, Missouri does require moped riders to wear a helmet. The vehicle itself is even required to be equipped with a helmet deterrent such as a seat back designed to discourage helmet use. The deterrent can be as simple as a lip on the back of the seat that would make it difficult to comfortably wear a helmet.
Lighting Requirements
Similar to regular automobile lighting requirements, mopeds must be equipped with headlight and taillight. A moped must also have brake lights. All lights must be in working order. All lights must be clearly visible and must be of sufficient strength to be adequate in daylight hours.
Traffic Laws and Restrictions for 49cc Mopeds
Road Rules and Restrictions for 49cc Mopeds in Missouri
When it comes to riding a moped, there are only a few road rules that you will really need to know:
Your moped will be allowed on main roads and side streets. Generally, you won’t have any problems in Missouri, though you will want to be careful if you are planning on taking your moped on an interstate highway. Many times, people assume that the law prohibits mopeds from riding on the interstate. In reality, mopeds are allowed on Missouri interstates—but they can only ride within a specific speed limit.
Missouri law prohibits mopeds from driving over the speed of 50 miles per hour on the road. Understandably , the speed limit on most interstates is higher than 50 miles per hour, which could cause problems if you try to take your moped on the highway.
If you are planning on riding your moped on the highway, follow these important rules:
If you happen to live in St. Louis or St. Louis County, the city or county ordinances might not allow you to drive on regional or interstate highways—even if state law does. You will want to verify the local regulations in your municipality before proceeding.
Penalties for Moped Law Violations
Violations of the varied laws concerning 49cc mopeds can bring a number of penalties based on the nature of the violation. A single oversight may not result in any penalties at all, but repeated or severe infractions can quickly lead to considerable legal and financial consequences.
The primary punishments for law violations that pertain to mopeds in Missouri include:
- Fines — The extent of the fine is determined by the nature of the law violated. Possible fines are determined by the state legislature; local jurisdictions may impose additional fines, but these may not exceed stated amounts. Varying fines, ranging from $20 up to $500, may be levied for registration violations, helmet violations, operating violations and license violations. The court may also impose a fine of $100 for any violation that occurs after the third time the offender has been convicted of violating the same law.
- Points — The imposition of points on the violator’s driver’s license for convictions relating to mopeds is not applicable to registration, equipment, operating or financial violations, but it is applicable to license violations. Each conviction is subject to 2 points.
- Legal action — If the owner cannot provide proof of title, registration, insurance and/or financial responsibility for a motorized bicycle, law enforcement can confiscate the vehicle until this proof is provided. Similarly, if the operator does not have a valid driver’s license, law enforcement may take possession of the bicycle. If circumstances warrant, the cycle may not be returned until the citation is paid or a bond is posted.
Even without the confiscation of the cycle in question, law enforcement officers have the authority to take legal action, which can amount to a misdemeanor charge. Violations of laws relating to registration and license are treated as misdemeanors and can subject the offender to a fine of up to $300. Severity of fine will be determined by the presiding court.
Common 49cc Moped Questions in Missouri
Q: Are 49cc mopeds street legal?
A: Yes, all mopeds equipped with pedals are expressly legal to drive on the roadway. The only significant limitation is that a 15-year-old couldn’t operate such a vehicle without a valid drivers license. While state law does not require a 49cc license to operate, cities can enact ordinances on this issue in their own jurisdictions so you must check local law. City law can vary widely.
Q: What type of license do I need to drive a 49cc moped?
A: You must possess a valid license to operate any motor vehicle. All mopeds must also have valid and current registration for the vehicle. A 49cc moped is not required to display a license plate, but registration is indeed required.
Q: I have seen mopeds with license plates and insurance. Do I have to have that?
A: Some people get a plate anyway, even if not required, just to be sure that they are fully compliant with city ordinances. As stated above, some ordinances require it, but in others it happens to be voluntary. Insurance is also not required, but once again, people purchase insurance merely to feel confident about protecting against liability and personal injury in the event of an accident. It’s voluntary, but those who don’t voluntarily obtain insurance are at a greater risk if anything goes wrong.
Q: Can a police officer pull me over even if I am following all laws when riding a 49cc moped?
A: Yes. Another issue with 49cc mopeds is that many are equipped to go a lot faster than their design allows. If the cop has a reason to question your driving such as racing, or if there are issues about safety or equipment, he may indeed pull you over. You certainly can be pulled over if the cop doesn’t believe your vehicle is 49cc or if he believes it has been altered to exceed 49cc but such issues are less common.
Q: Where can I see a list of 49cc moped requirements under Missouri law?
A: You can view those requirements here.
Missouri’s 49cc Mopeds – A Wrap-up
The key to a safe and enjoyable moped riding experience in Missouri is in doing your homework. It’s easy to ride afoul of mopeding laws if you’re not aware of what they are. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise when you’re pulled over by police officers or in the unfortunate event that you’re involved in an accident. Staying informed and educated about the current laws and regulations about mopeds will ensure you’re following guidelines during everyday rides. This goes hand-in-hand with knowledge of basic safety measures , such as wearing safety glasses or goggles and your helmet at all times while riding, even on private property. Wearing protective accessories ensures you’re prepared in the event of an accident, as you’ll be less likely to suffer abrasions and other injuries. Following the two basic rules of being educated and being safe will make for a much more pleasurable experience on the roads of Missouri on your moped.