Small vehicles in the Russian Federation are gaining increasing popularity. Scooters are easy to use, do not require much parking space, and are maneuverable. However, when driving on the road, a citizen must know the traffic rules of the Russian Federation and be able to drive a vehicle. There was no need for a driver's license for a scooter, but current legislation is periodically subject to changes. Due to the increasing number of accidents involving owners of small vehicles, it was decided to introduce category M licenses. However, not all vehicles were covered by the law. Therefore, it is recommended to figure out in advance whether you need a license for a scooter in 2021.
What type of transport is called a scooter?
A scooter is often equated to a moped or a regular motorcycle. The action is incorrect. In fact, the scooter is somewhere in the middle. The vehicle differs from a moped in its structural origin. If we are talking about a scooter, then this is a lightweight modification of a motor scooter. The above vehicle, in turn, is a type of full-fledged motorcycle.
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There is no official definition of a scooter in the traffic rules. The fact is that the personal scope of the vehicle is very wide. In 2021 they range from category M to A.
So, there are the following scooter models:
- hyperscooter – engine capacity exceeds 500 cubic centimeters;
- maxiscooter – engine capacity is 250-400 cubic centimeters;
- midiscooter - engine capacity is 125-250 cubic centimeters.
The wide variation makes it much more difficult to define a scooter from a legal point of view. The traffic rules reflect the terms “moped” and “motorcycle”. Specifications by category are made based on the speed and design characteristics of transport. However, the following features must be taken into account:
- Most scooter models have an engine capacity of 50-125 cm3. As a result, you will need to obtain a category A1 license (Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety”).
- The engine power of classic moped models is up to 50 cubic centimeters. To travel on the road you must obtain a category M license.
From the above we can conclude that in 2021 the scooter belongs to the A1 category of light motorcycles, but only conditionally. Much depends on the specific model.
In the European and Russian markets, scooters with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic centimeters were previously very popular. No license was required for such vehicles. Significant changes have now occurred. In the Russian Federation and most EU countries, you need a license to drive a scooter. Consumer demand has leveled off. There are not many people who want to acquire category M licenses. The majority of beginner scooter riders prefer to immediately pass to category A.
Law on obtaining a driver's license for a scooter
The process of obtaining a license in the Russian Federation is regulated by Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety”. The categories of certificates are enshrined in Article 25 of the above-mentioned legal act. On November 5, 2013, the classic list was supplemented with category M. Its presence is necessary for driving mopeds and scooters with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic centimeters. The certificates themselves began to be provided on November 5, 2014. From this date, drivers of mopeds and scooters could enroll in a driving school and obtain a driver's license.
Certain adjustments have affected the traffic rules of the Russian Federation. In particular, paragraph 1.2 established the definition of a moped. It is called a two- or three-wheeled mechanical vehicle, the maximum speed of which cannot be more than 50 km/h, and the working volume of the internal combustion engine does not exceed 50 cubic centimeters. By definition, a low-power scooter is suitable here. To drive such vehicles, category M license is required.
If an electric motor is installed, its maximum power in continuous load mode should be 0.25 - 4 kW. ATVs with similar technical characteristics are considered mopeds. The driver of such a vehicle is required to have a category M driver's license (clause 2.1 of the Russian Traffic Regulations).
Since a scooter is a cross between a moped and a motorcycle, there is also a convergence in the availability of rights. Their category depends on engine power. If the above specifications for a moped are exceeded, an A1 license may be required. In 2021, such licenses are required for motorcycles and scooters with an internal combustion engine displacement not exceeding 125 cubic centimeters and a maximum power of up to 11 kW. If the indicators are higher, a category A certificate will be required.
What category is needed to drive a scooter?
In Russia in 2013, the police began to sound the alarm about the increasing frequency of accidents involving scooters, and category M . In the new sample document, a separate line is highlighted with an image of a moped and the letter M. To obtain a mark, you must study at a driving school for several months.
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Driving school training
When choosing a driving school, pay attention to the license. The educational institution accepts persons from 16 years of age. At the discretion of the administration, earlier admission to driving courses is possible. But the young man will receive his license after his birthday. To enroll, go through a medical examination and receive a certificate of permission to drive a category M vehicle.
The training lasts from 2 to 3 months. First, theoretical issues, traffic rules, and first aid rules are studied. Then practice begins. Students on school grounds acquire management and maneuvering skills. Further training continues on city streets. The final stage is a theory and driving test. If the case is successful, the student is issued a certificate and can go to the traffic police to obtain a license.
Category M - why is it needed?
Category M appeared five years ago and caused a storm of indignation from owners of low-power motorcycles. Inexperienced drivers consider the innovation unnecessary, but they are wrong.
This type of equipment has a relatively inexpensive price, and anyone can purchase a scooter. Parents buy a scooter for their child without thinking about the consequences. In fact, this is very dangerous for both the moped driver and other road users. Not knowing the basic rules, the young scooter rider rides as he pleases, unaware of what is hindering the movement. As a result, many accidents occur, often fatal.
The increasing number of accidents involving mopeds forced law enforcement agencies to take action. As a result of numerous debates and reflections, a new category M was introduced.
When is it prohibited to ride a scooter?
The new model license contains a special ML mark that prohibits driving a scooter. It is placed in the 12th column of the document. The decision to prohibit driving mopeds or scooters is made by a medical commission. She makes a conclusion, and the inspector puts a note on the prohibition on the license, since the driver has certain contraindications.
More on the topic: What happens to driving without a driver's license?
YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS! Drivers who change their license or get a new one should be careful. It happens that employees of the registration department, not seeing the mark on permission for category M in the medical report, put ML on the driver’s license. It is no longer possible to ride a scooter automatically. To prevent this from happening, remind the medical commission to mark M.
Do you need a scooter license in 2021?
A scooter license has been required since 2014. The fact is that on December 10, 2012, a bill was introduced for consideration to amend the Federal Law “On Road Safety”. The regulatory legal act was approved on November 5, 2013. However, the document came into force only a year later. Those interested were able to enroll in a driving school to obtain a driver's license for low-power vehicles.
In 2021, to drive a scooter, you need a license of category M (scooter engine capacity is not more than 50 cc), A1 (scooter engine capacity is more than 50 cc and less than 125 cc) or A (scooter engine capacity is more than 125 cc). It all depends on the engine power.
Where does the training take place?
To obtain a license to drive a scooter, you must undergo training. When choosing a school, pay attention to reviews from students and the presence of a state license. Training is provided on a paid basis.
First, you need to complete the documents, after which the candidate can begin mastering the program. The training process consists of a theoretical (72 hours) and a practical part (30 hours, 18 of which are driving). The period for obtaining knowledge may vary depending on the chosen organization.
At the end of the course, the candidate will have an exam. A traffic police officer is present as an examiner.
Currently, the authorized body responsible for issuing certificates is the Department of Internal Affairs. The candidate must collect the necessary documents and submit an application to the territorial traffic police department. The specialist will check the information provided and make a decision on the possibility/impossibility of obtaining a category M certificate.
The reason for refusal may be the age of the candidate. At what age can you drive a scooter with an engine capacity of 125 - 150 cc? The legislator set the lower limit at 16 years.
Do you need a license for a scooter up to 50cc in 2021?
A scooter with an engine capacity of less than 50 cubic centimeters requires a category M license. If you refer to Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety,” it turns out that such a license is needed for mopeds and light quadricycles. The definition of the first vehicle is enshrined in clause 1.2 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. It says here that a moped is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with an engine displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters and a maximum speed of no more than 50 km/h. If the scooter meets these characteristics, it is recognized as a moped. As a result, there is a need to obtain a driving license for a category M scooter.
Is it possible to drive a 49-50cc moped without a driver's license?
The need to obtain a license to drive a scooter or other small vehicle arose after the adoption of Federal Law-92 of 05/07/2013. Additional categories of vehicles were introduced Art. 25 FZ-196 and conditions for obtaining management rights for each category of Art. 26 of the same law.
Since 2014, according to PP 1097, everyone who drives mopeds or scooters must have a license to drive this type of equipment - for example, with open category A, A1 or M.
Category M includes mopeds and scooters, light quadricycles. To be classified as category M, a vehicle must have the following characteristics:
- Electric motor 0.25-4 kW power.
- ICE volume – up to 50 cubic meters.
- Vehicles can reach a speed of no more than 50 km/h.
Category M also includes bicycles with an engine, if their power ratings are the same as those of scooters.
It is prohibited to ride a 49-50cc scooter without a license . If you plan to drive a moped, you should take a training course at the traffic police, after which you will be able to obtain a driving license. Professional driver training programs for this category are available from the age of 16, in accordance with Part 2 of Art. 26 FZ-196.
Reference. Drivers with other open categories have the right to drive vehicles belonging to category M. If you have a driver's license with open category A, B, you can also drive a moped.
You may be interested in our articles about whether you can ride a motorcycle or ATV without a license.
Requirements for obtaining a driver's license
In 2021, the list may change depending on the category of scooter license required. The list of requirements is reflected in Article 26 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety”. Persons who have reached the established age and have a medical certificate stating that there are no contraindications to driving a vehicle are allowed to take the exams.
Additionally, you will need to undergo professional training. Category M and A1 can be obtained from the age of 16. To obtain a Category A license, you must be of legal age. The list of medical contraindications to driving a scooter in 2021 is enshrined in Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1604 of December 29, 2014. The main ones are:
- presence of mental or behavioral disorders;
- diseases of the nervous system and diseases of the eye and its appendages;
- absence of limbs or their deformation;
- hearing loss below the permitted level.
What do licenses for a scooter look like?
In 2011, driver's licenses in the Russian Federation were renewed. This was done to bring the document into compliance with international standards. This makes it possible to drive a vehicle on the basis of a Russian license in other countries. Due to the introduction of the M category in 2014, another update took place.
In 2021, scooter licenses are laminated paper forms with a plastic insert glued between them. This allows us to classify the document as being made on a plastic basis. The size of the ID is 85.6 by 54 mm. The corners are rounded. The form has a number of protective elements against counterfeiting. Present:
- water marks;
- protective mesh;
- inscriptions made with luminous paint.
The list is not exhaustive. The name of the driver's license for the scooter is printed on the front. The inscription is only in Russian. The RUS icon is located at the top left. Across the entire width of the scooter driver's license there is a stylized image of a road with intermittent markings. On the left is a photograph. Its size is 21 by 30 mm. Sections in the document are not signed. They are indicated by numbers. The following data is recorded here:
- Full name, year and place of birth;
- validity period of the driver's license;
- organization that granted the rights;
- series and number of the certificate;
- the name of the categories of vehicles that a citizen can drive.
There is a table with categories on the back of your scooter driver's license. In 2021, there is additionally a “special notes” column. Here we use designations that are understandable to foreign traffic inspectors. Additionally, the series and number printed on the front side are duplicated. There is a barcode designed to be read by an electronic device. This is additional protection against counterfeiting.
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining category M licenses
To obtain a driver's license for a scooter in 2021, you must undergo professional training and pass an exam (Article 26 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety”). You will have to act according to the following scheme:
- Select a driving school that offers the required program and submit an application.
- Wait for enrollment, pay for tuition and complete theoretical and practical classes.
- Pass the internal exam and prepare a package of documents for the traffic police.
- On the appointed day, visit the exam location and complete the assigned tasks.
- Find out the final result. If it is positive, you can get your license.
In order for a citizen to be allowed to take the exam to obtain a license to drive a scooter, you will need to prepare a package of documents. The list should include:
- certificate of completion of a driving school;
- completed application;
- passport;
- medical certificate.
The exam will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of the Government of the Russian Federation Resolution No. 1097 of October 24, 2014 “On admission to driving vehicles.” The test consists of a theoretical and practical part. If a citizen needs a license for a scooter, riding in the city is not possible. The test is limited to completing tasks in a racetrack environment.
Knowledge testing is carried out by authorized officials in the State Traffic Inspectorate unit. Initially, a citizen must pass the theory. The following is being checked:
- knowledge of traffic rules;
- understanding responsibility for non-compliance with rules;
- mastering information about the vehicle’s approval for operation;
- presence of information on the provision of first aid.
The theory must be taken in the form of a test. You have 20 minutes to answer. The ticket contains 20 questions. There are several answer options for each of them. The examinee must choose the correct one. When the specified period of time is completed, the exam ends. A person is considered to have passed the theory if he has given at least 18 correct answers. In this case, you cannot make two mistakes in one block of questions. For each incorrect answer, you are given 5 additional questions and five minutes to solve them. If the person gives the correct answers, the test is considered successful. When the 3rd mistake is made, a retake will be required. A repeat exam is held no earlier than 7 days from the previous day. If 2 retakes are failed, a third attempt is scheduled no earlier than a month later.
When the theory is passed successfully, you have to pass the practice. During it, the ability to move away, maneuver a scooter, and use rear-view mirrors is assessed. The set of exercises consists of 3 parts. A person is obliged to fulfill them all. If the exercise cannot be completed successfully, a retake is carried out. It is performed according to the same principles as the theory retake. The only difference is that the theoretical exam for obtaining a driving license for a scooter has an expiration date. After 6 months you will need to retake it too.
Cost of obtaining a license for a scooter
The cost of training at a driving school includes theory, practice and subsequent support at the traffic police. However, the cost of obtaining a scooter license varies significantly. The indicator is influenced by:
- the region in which the training takes place;
- demand for the service;
- composition of the service package;
- category of rights that a citizen wants to receive.
The cost of obtaining a license for a scooter in 2021 varies from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles.
You can find out the exact price by contacting the selected educational institution directly.
Who can get rights
The law sets strict restrictions on candidates for obtaining a certificate. A person who meets all of the following conditions can obtain documents for a scooter:
- reaching the age of sixteen;
- Russian citizenship or residence permit;
- appropriate for health reasons;
- successfully passed the exams.
If a citizen needs a license for a 50cc scooter, he must qualify for health reasons. The law provides a list of contraindications, the presence of which will not allow you to become a driver.
Do you need a license for a scooter if you have category B?
It all depends on what category of driver’s license is required for a scooter. If the engine power allows you to drive a vehicle with a category M license, you will not need to obtain an additional document.
Paragraph 7 of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1996 “On Road Safety” states that a Russian national driver’s license, confirming the presence of the right to drive a car of any category and subcategory, gives the right to drive a vehicle of category M.
If there is a need for an A or A1 license, category B does not provide access to driving such scooters. The corresponding rule follows from the provisions of the above-mentioned legal act. You will have to obtain a certificate separately.
Can I ride a scooter with category B or another category?
As mentioned earlier, for low-power motor vehicles there is category M, which allows driving this vehicle (Clause 1, Article 25 of the Federal Law on Road Traffic Safety). Paragraph 7 states that upon opening any category, you are automatically allowed to drive a scooter (Clause 7, Article 25 of the Federal Law on Road Traffic Safety).
Up to 50 cubic meters
The traffic rules state that if the driver has one of the categories (any), then driving a scooter is allowed . The main thing is that the engine volume is less than 50 cubic meters .
If the engine displacement is more than 50 cc. cm
When a vehicle is equipped with an engine capacity of more than 50 cubic meters, the scooter is equal to a motorcycle, so the M category will not be enough. Depending on the power, you will have to open the following subcategory separately:
- From 50 to 125 cm3 – subcategory A1
- Over 125 cm3 – category A
A detailed description of all categories and subcategories of vehicles can be read here.
Do you need a license for a scooter if you have a foreign license for a scooter?
Paragraph 12 of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 “On Road Safety” states that persons permanently or temporarily residing or staying in Russia may be allowed to drive on the basis of a national driver’s license. However, if it is not there, the use of foreign or international rights is acceptable. In this case, it is necessary to comply with the provisions of paragraph 13 of Article 25. It states that driving vehicles on the basis of a foreign driver’s license is not allowed if the car or, in our case, a scooter is used for work or business activities.
The exception is citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic and states in which legislation establishes the use of Russian as the official language.
From the above it follows that driving a scooter with a foreign license in Russia in 2021 is acceptable. At the same time, there is no time limit during which a person can use the ID on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Do you need a license for a scooter in Belarus and Ukraine?
In Belarus, approximately the same rules apply as in the Russian Federation. To operate a scooter of any type, you will need a license. If the engine capacity is less than 50 cubic centimeters, you will need an AM license. For a maxiscooter, you must have a category A license.
In Ukraine, you also need to obtain a license to drive a scooter. If the engine displacement is less than 50 cubic centimeters, an A1 license will be required. In all other cases, a license A is required. Other categories do not give the right to drive a scooter.
Nuances
After the introduction of category M, inspectors are required to check the availability of rights to a scooter. If there is a suspicion that the engine size does not correspond to an open category, the vehicle can be checked against the database via the Vin number.
In practice, illegal imposition of punishment may occur. When the engine capacity is calculated incorrectly, or the inspector imposes a fine by making other errors, a person can challenge the ruling. The procedure is carried out in accordance with the norms of Article 30.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
Required documents
To obtain a license for a moped, you must prepare the papers required by law. If the driver is over 18 years old and has a category B or C license, he does not need to undergo special training for category M or A. However, when driving, a license with category M must be with you. It is presented if requested by a traffic police officer.
To obtain a license for a scooter up to 50 cm³, you must provide:
- application according to the sample and on the traffic police form;
- personal document (passport);
- information from psychiatric and drug treatment clinics;
- photo 3x4;
- medical report in the prescribed form;
- exam fee payment form.
