Are Pocket Bikes Street Legal?
Jun 19, 2009 More Saving
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For a pocket bike to be street legal, it will take a little bit of work. Straight out of the box, pocket bikes lack a few things to be allowed on the streets, although specific rules vary from state to state. It is also not uncommon for pocket bikes to disqualify simply because they are miniature in size.
Smaller models don’t really have much of a chance in becoming street legal simply because most bikes would be in a class with motorcycles. And according to the rules, the seat of a motorcycle must be at least 25 inches off the ground. A pocket bike obviously violates that simple test and raising the seat is not a viable mod for any bike.
Just being caught on the public streets on a pocket bike is considered reckless driving in most cases due to the obvious violation of safety regulations. In fact, if an officer does decide to write you up for the violations, there could easily be many and the fine could be as high as $2,000.
Just to name a few of the legal violations according to the most common regulations among various states, pocket bikes don’t come with rear indicator lights for night driving. Nor do they come with rear view mirrors, horns, signaling lights for turns.
All of these are essential requirements of vehicles to be street legal. Since they cannot be registered, the pocket bikes cannot have plates and unregistered vehicles cannot be operated on the public streets. Pocket bikes also cannot be insured, and with such small mufflers, there is a chance of violating noise pollution regulation in some areas.
There are some models of larger pocket bikes, or ’super’ pocket bikes as they are referred to in contrast to mini bikes, that come with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a speedometer and horn to meet nearly all the requirements.
Many of these larger bikes will miss a few key requirements from being eligible for registration. However, the modifications required are so small they can easily be overcome. Add a rear view mirror here and brackets for license plate there and all of the sudden the bike is registered as a motorcycle or home built vehicle.
Once on the public streets, the rider will usually be required to follow safety regulations imposed on motorcycle riders. The vehicle will need to be insured and the rider will need a valid state driver’s license and helmet. If the bike is classified as a motorcycle then a motorcycle license is required. If it is categorized with mopeds, then a regular driver’s license will suffice.
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Tags: automobiles, Bikes, cars, hobbies, More Saving, Motorcycles, motors, pocket bikes, racing, Sports
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