Last Updated 20th of May, 2010

Which vehicles must be registered as a motorcycle in California? California

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Vehicle Registration for Motorcycles in California

For legal motorcycle riding, the following bikes must undergo motorcycle registration (or similar) at the CA DMV:

  • Any motorcycle that weighs fewer than 1,500 pounds, has at most three wheels, and has an engine of more than 150 cc.
  • Any motor-driven cycle that has an engine of no more than 149 cc.
  • Any moped that has two or three wheels and is propelled by human power using pedals or by electrical energy. The state sometimes refers to these as motorized bicycles, too. These mopeds or motorized bicycles receive special license plates and ID cards and require only a one-time (no renewal) fee of $18.
NOTE: CA considers a scooter to be anything with two wheels, handlebars, a floorboard to stand on, and a motor for power. Scooters do not have to undergo vehicle registration, but riders do need to have a M1 or M2 (moped/scooter only) license to operate them.

Registering Off-Highway Vehicles

An off-highway vehicle (OHV) is one you can only operate in designated off-highway locations.

In California, an off-highway vehicle (OHV) might be a:
  • Motorcycle
  • Trail bike
  • Dune buggie
  • All-terrain vehicle (ATV)
  • Snowmobile
If you have an OHV, you must register it as such unless:
  • You’ve already registered it for on-highway use (such as a motorcycle).
  • It’s exempt from registration (such as a scooter).
For more information about registering an OHV, contact your local CA DMV location. And, if you need information about designated areas where you can ride your OHV, call the folks at Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation at (916) 324-4442.

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