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Make sure you have a merry mini-motorcycle ride
December 15, 2004
If you're hoping Santa brings you a miniature motorcycle this year, just remember to enjoy your gift off-road.
Just like Jolly old St. Nick and his magic sleigh, these popular motorized vehicles are not designed for riding on public roads. In Oregon, they're not legal for street use, either, Oregon Department of Transportation officials said.
"There are a lot of these new, inexpensive mini-motorcycles for sale these days, but we don’t know how many because DMV does not regulate them," DMV Administrator Lorna Youngs said. "But because we receive questions about them, we felt it important to inform Oregonians about how to enjoy them legally and safely."
To be legal on public roads, motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, need to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s vehicle design safety and equipment requirements, which are also the standards adopted by Oregon Revised Statutes 815.010 and 815.030.
Manufacturers that meet these requirements provide a vehicle identification number, or VIN, and a manufacturer's certificate of origin, or MCO, which certifies that the vehicle meets U.S. DOT standards.
Oregon, like all other states, requires that if a motor vehicle is designed for use on public roads that it needs to be titled and registered. That requirement includes mounting of a license plate or plates and payment of a registration fee.
So if you have a motorized vehicle with no VIN, no title of ownership issued by DMV, and no license plates, what you have is meant for off-road use only.
"We're particularly concerned about children riding these on public roads," said Troy E. Costales, ODOT's Transportation Safety Division administrator. "The vehicle and rider are so low to the ground that drivers do not see them. And even in off-road use, it's important that riders take basic safety precautions, such as wearing a helmet and protective clothing, or using a seat belt in a go-kart for example."
Anyone found using such a vehicle on public roads may run afoul of at least one of these Oregon laws:
- Operation of an unsafe vehicle is a Class B traffic violation (ORS 815.020), with a fine up to $360.
- Operation of a vehicle that violates equipment rules is a Class C traffic violation (ORS 815.100), with a fine up to $180.
- Operation by a rider under 16 years of age is a Class D traffic violation with a maximum fine of $90.
- A parent or legal guardian of a child younger than 16 years old who authorizes or knowingly allows a child to operate a motor-assisted scooter may be subject to a traffic citation and fine (ORS 814.536), as well.
- Driving any motor vehicle on a public road while suspended is a Class A violation with a maximum fine of $720.
- Anyone suspended or revoked for a traffic crime, such as felony DUII, who is found operating a motorized vehicle on a premises open to the public may be charged with another traffic crime and could face a maximum fine of $2,500 and up to one year in jail.
Even off the road, consumers need to make sure that they and their children use these off-road vehicles safely. Some of them can reach speeds up to 50 mph, according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
To ensure a safe and fun holiday season, AAMVA recommends that consumers be aware of these facts:
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there were 2,345 emergency room visits related to mini-motorcycles in 2003.
- Users should always wear a helmet and consider other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads.
- An adult always should closely supervise children riding motorized vehicles.
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For more information, contact:
DMV Public Affairs
(503) 945-5270
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