Do I need a driver's license to drive a 49cc scooter in Missouri?

I have a 49cc scooter and just got issued a summons for not having a driver's license. I was told I did not need one with a 49cc scooter.

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Do I need a driver's license to drive a 49cc scooter in Missouri?

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Jul 20, 2011

Lee's Summit is different
by: Eric

Lee's Summit has a law requiring 49cc scooters to be licensed as motor cycles. It sounds like you called the state license bureau, and they would quote state law which does not require a motorcycle license/tag.

I believe one city in the St. Louis area has done the same thing. You need to nearly force the license bureau to allow you to license the scooter, and then you'd need insurance and a state MC endorsement on your driver's license.

Alternately, you could lobby your city council member to try and get the city ordinance changed.

For all but about 2 cities in MO, you only need a valid car DL to ride a 49cc scooter.

Jul 20, 2011

Lees Summit
by: Anonymous

I recently got a ticket in Lees Summit for not having a tag. When I call the Lees Summit License Bureau they tell me one is not required. I call back and they tell me to get it inspected by Highway Patrol. Highway Patrol says they will not inspect because its not considered a motorcycle. They have totally banned under 50cc scooters.

Sep 13, 2010

Thanks
by: Kathi

Gee thanks, guys, for jumping in with a more detailed and accurate answer than mine. Very helpful!

Sep 11, 2010

MO Endorsement
by: Kellisanth

Howdy! I used to live in the KC area (ExSpgs to be honest, and Warrensburg as well)

Refer to pgs 40 and 43.
http://dor.mo.gov/pdf/motoman.pdf

pg. 40 is in regards to earning your license and requirements for testing and obtaining permits.

(pg.43)
IS LICENSING REQUIRED FOR A SCOOTER/MOPED?
Licensing depends partly on the ?cc? displacement of the engine in the scooter/moped (motorized bicycle). The definition of a motorized bicycle (as opposed to a motorcycle) is as follows: ?Any two-wheeler or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, which produces less than three (3) gross brake horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground.?

If the scooter/moped qualifies as a motorized bicycle, you must have a valid driver license, though no motorcycle endorsement is required. A motorized bicycle does not have to be registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Keep in mind that ?no motorized bicycle may be operated on any public thoroughfare located within this state which has been designated as part of the federal interstate highway system.?

Sep 10, 2010

Need a normal DL
by: Anonymous

Yes, you do need a drivers license in Missouri. You do not need a class M, just a regular one. You also don't need plates or insurance for a 49cc scooter provided:

Your scooter is less than 3 hp AND...
It can't go any faster than 30 mph

Some cities have more restrictive laws (Lee's Summit, MO requires a motorcycle license, even if 49cc and a class M). Seems dodgy, but no one has challenged that yet.

Eric

Sep 10, 2010

Check with the source
by: Kathi

Hi there... I tried to research this for you, but the Missouri website on drivers licensing isn't real specific:
http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/

Maybe you can find the answer there. All I saw was language to the effect of "You must have a class M motorcycle license to operate a motorcycle on the highways." But that doesn't address what size motorcycle/scooter this applies to, or if there are exceptions.

In many states, you don't need a motorcycle license for a 49cc scooter, though most DO require you to at least have a regular drivers license, because that signifies you know the rules of the road.

Were you driving your scooter without any kind of drivers license?

If you really want an accurate answer to this question, I'd contact your Missouri governing authority directly. Here's the phone number for their drivers license division: Driver License: 573-526-3669

Good luck!

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Do I need a driver's license to drive a 49cc scooter in Missouri?