Categories of license to drive motorcycles
Currently, the main category for driving two-wheeled motor vehicles is A. This includes motorcycles, scooters and other similar vehicles. At first glance, everything is simple. However, if previously it was possible to obtain the appropriate license at 16, now the law requires that the driver be at least 18 years old. For those who can’t wait to get behind the wheel, category A1 is provided. It allows you to pass your license at 16, but you can only drive motorcycles with an engine capacity of no more than 125 cubic centimeters and a power of less than 11 kW.
Also, do not forget about subcategory B1 - these are tricycles and quadricycles, and category M - mopeds and light quadricycles. It is worthwhile to dwell on each individual case in more detail in order to determine what category of rights is needed for a motorcycle of one type or another.
Dependence of the category of rights on transport capacity
To drive a motorcycle you need a license, and their category depends on the power of the motorcycle. So, to control a scooter with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic meters, you need to get a driving license of category “M”. This can be done by citizens over 16 years of age. National Russian driving licenses for driving any categories of vehicles imply the presence of category “M” licenses (Article 25, paragraph 7 of Federal Law No. 196). Exceptions are citizens whose ID is marked “ML” on the reverse side. This means that the owner of this license does not have the right to drive a motorcycle for medical reasons. A foreign driver's license with categories above M does not give the right to drive a motorcycle on the territory of the Russian Federation. A driver's license of category "A1" allows driving motor vehicles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cubic centimeters (Article 24, paragraph 1 of Federal Law No. 196). But to obtain such rights, a citizen must be over 18 years old.
Scooters and mopeds
The traffic rules of the Russian Federation define a moped as a vehicle with two or three wheels, the engine capacity of which cannot be more than 50 cubic meters, and the maximum speed is 50 km/h. In this case, the location of the wheels does not matter.
A scooter (aka motor scooter) is easy to distinguish from other two-wheeled vehicles: the design includes a recess with a platform for the feet, thanks to which the driver does not sit astride, just like on a chair. As a rule, models with an engine capacity of up to 50 cm3 are supplied to the European market.
Such mopeds and scooters fall under category M. They are allowed to be driven from 16 years of age, and not from 14, as before. The category is automatically assigned upon receipt of any driver's license. For example, you can take an A1 or B license and immediately get an M.
But not all scooter models fall under the definition of a moped. There are scooters that can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h. In such cases, focusing on the engine size, you can understand what category of license is needed. A motorcycle up to 125 cubic centimeters requires category A1, with more power - A.
What motorcycles can you ride without a license?
A motorcyclist is a person who drives a high-risk vehicle. That is why you need to have licenses for all types and models of motorcycles. Are there motorcycles that do not require a license
? This includes, at least for now, scooters and mopeds whose engine capacity is less than fifty cubic meters.
The Government of the Russian Federation has instructed the Ministry of Education and Science to develop appropriate training programs for scooter and moped drivers. After this, they will be able to take a category A1 license.
But the methods have not been developed, and driving these types of transport without documents, that is, without a license, is prohibited. It turns out to be a “legal conflict,” as noted by traffic police officers. In theory, it is illegal to ride a scooter without a license. In practice, scooter owners cannot obtain these same rights.
According to new, but not yet adopted rules, mopeds and scooters with engines of less than 50 cubic meters are issued category A1. But the new formulation of the categories has not yet been finalized. Some printed publications write that this category includes motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to one hundred and twenty-five cubic meters. And they don’t write anything about scooters and mopeds.
Category A is currently divided into three subcategories. A1 - for mopeds and scooters, A - motorcycles with engines of more than fifty cubic centimeters, B1 - for motorcycles with a sidecar.
But since no one today is ready to introduce rights for scooter riders, neither traffic police officers, nor driving schools, nor lawyers, owners of scooters and mopeds will continue to drive without a license for a long time. On the other hand, knowledge of traffic rules has never bothered anyone. These types of transport are most often used by teenagers. And if they know all the necessary rules, they will be able to protect themselves and the people around them.
Light motorcycles
Motorcycles up to 125cc have a number of advantages over both mopeds and more powerful equipment. They reach speeds of up to 130 km/h and weigh little, so even beginners can handle them. In addition, the variety of models allows you to choose a convenient option for the city or for driving over rough terrain.
Which motorcycles do not require a license? Unfortunately, to operate equipment up to 125 cubic meters you will have to obtain category A1. The disadvantage of this option is that if you want to change the iron horse to something more serious, with a higher cubic capacity, you will need to attend a driving school again. Category A1 does not give the right to drive a motorcycle with a power higher than 11 kilowatts.
Sports motorcycle: vehicle or not
This is the main question in which we find out whether it is possible to go on the roads with sports equipment. The conversation will not only be about motorcycles.
The Rules define the following concepts:
- A motocross motorcycle is a sports equipment or transport.
- Pitbike.
- Electric scooter or with an internal combustion engine.
- Tricycles.
- ATVs.
The problem is that there is no definition of “sports equipment” under the Road Traffic Act. The legislation only specifies “vehicle”. The rules state that it is a device that can be used to transport people on roads.
Federal Law 196-FZ establishes in Article 25 the dependence of the volume of the power unit on the name. For example, it could be: a pit bike, a motocross motorcycle can be considered a motorcycle if it has a displacement of over 50 cubic meters. cm. If this parameter is less, then a vehicle on two wheels can be considered a moped. Therefore, sports motorcycles are equated to categories M, A or A1. To operate them, special permission is required. Everything is described in the Administrative Code by analogy with the Federal Law.
Sportbikes
A beautiful and powerful high-capacity sports bike, the dream of most motorcyclists, is also the worst nightmare of most people. While the former associate it with adrenaline and complete freedom, the others associate it with a wild roar and deadly maneuvers.
Sports motorcycles are difficult to control, have a rather uncomfortable riding position and are designed for riding on special high-speed routes. But, despite this, they are very popular in Russia, and most motorcyclists ride them on public roads.
Of course, to operate such equipment, you need to be an experienced driver. And, of course, it’s not difficult to understand what licenses are needed for a motorcycle of 250 cc and above. You can't do without a category A driver's license.
Classic motorcycles and cruisers
Despite the fascination with high-speed models, road motorcycles do not lose their relevance. Driving both a classic and a cruiser on asphalt is as comfortable as possible. Thanks to their design, they provide a comfortable straight fit.
Many people are interested in the size of a license for a motorcycle of this type. There are no exceptions for cruisers and classics; a driver's license is required for all vehicles. Up to 125 cubic meters - A1, above this value - category A.
Motorcycles with sidecars
Previously, such equipment was very popular in the USSR; it was used as an inexpensive and accessible alternative to a passenger car. Throughout the 20th century, motorcycles with a cradle were widespread in the armies of different countries. But over time, they began to lose popularity and are currently produced in limited quantities.
At first glance, it seems obvious that riding a motorcycle with a sidecar is very different from riding a two-wheeler. This is a much less maneuverable, but also more stable technique that requires special skills. Therefore, it is not always immediately clear what license is needed for a motorcycle with a sidecar.
But if you remember that the cradle, as a rule, can be unhooked, everything falls into place. Management will also require Category A, without any additional training. However, before you hit the road on a motorcycle with a side trailer, you need to thoroughly study the characteristics of its behavior on the road. An inexperienced driver can easily cause the vehicle to tip over when turning or lose control due to pulling to the side when accelerating and braking.
Cross motorcycles
This class of vehicles is also called SUVs. They are designed for motocross racing. They lack headlights and other lighting, and the rubber does not provide the required level of grip on the road surface. According to the law of the Russian Federation, cross-bikes are sports equipment and do not require registration or registration.
In view of the above, the most obvious answer to the question of which motorcycles do not require a license is motocross bikes. But you need to take into account one important detail: driving on public roads is prohibited! According to the law, a motocross motorcycle must be delivered to the track only with the help of special equipment. In no case under your own power.
Do you need a license for a motocross motorcycle?
In order to drive a motocross motorcycle, there is no need to open category A. This vehicle is mainly classified as sports equipment. It is used for cross-country racing.
Many modern owners of motorcycles for racing often wonder whether a motocross motorcycle needs a license. These are mainly those people who plan to ride their bike on city or rural streets. Even if you do not use this category of motorcycle equipment for its intended purpose, it is unlikely that you will be able to ride it on the highways. it is designed in such a way that it can only be driven where the road is covered with soft ground.
On race tracks, motocross motorcycles are considered sports equipment for which you do not need to obtain a license.
Important: According to the rules of the legislation of our country, it is prohibited to ride around the city on a motocross motorcycle. This can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Tricycles and quadricycles
In an attempt to find out what types of motorcycles do not require a license, many people pay attention to tricycles and quadricycles. But with them everything is not so simple. To drive a light quadricycle whose weight does not exceed 350 kg and whose speed does not exceed 50 km/h, a category M driver’s license is sufficient.
For higher power equipment and tricycles, subcategory B1 will be required. Only citizens at least 18 years old can receive it. At the same time, if the equipment is equipped with a motorcycle-type steering wheel, then drivers with open category A also have the right to drive.
Punishment for riding a motorcycle without a license
The desire to know which motorcycles do not require a license is easily understandable, since daily use of two-wheeled vehicles in urban environments is not always convenient. And not everyone is willing to spend several months in a driving school for the occasional fun weekend trip. But at the moment in Russia, as in most developed countries, obtaining a driver’s license to drive a motorcycle is necessary. Category A is almost universal and allows you to ride almost any iron horse.
But those who dare to drive onto the road without the appropriate license should be aware of the punishment. According to part one of Article 12.7 of the Administrative Code, the fine for such an offense is from 5 to 15 thousand rubles. In addition, the vehicle is towed to the parking lot. If the equipment belongs to another person, he can also be fined 30 thousand rubles.
Will there be fines for driving on the road?
Undoubtedly! Driving such equipment on public roads at a minimum violates paragraphs 3, 5, 11 of the regulations on vehicle approval. And therefore, the minimum that awaits you if an inspector stops you is a protocol under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. In addition, depending on the situation, the inspector can impose a whole “bouquet” of protocols on the driver of sports equipment, including:
- Part 1 Art. 12.7 Code of Administrative Offences, for driving without a license;
- Part 1 of Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, for failure to comply with the requirements of the law on vehicle registration;
- Part 2 of Article 12.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, for driving on the road without a valid MTPL policy;
- Part 1 Art. 12.3 of the Administrative Code, for the lack of title documents, and so on.
One way or another, we do not recommend riding sports equipment such as a motorcycle on the roads. But even if such equipment is used in accordance with the rules for its use, for example, when driving in the mountains, it is recommended to always confirm the nature of the technical device and its intended purpose with documents.
