Moped Permit
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You must have a moped permit if you do not have a valid driver’s license and want to operate a moped or motor scooter on public roads. A moped is a small motorized scooter with an engine that meets certain size and speed limits.
With a Maryland moped permit, you can:
- Ride a moped on public roads
- Ride in a bike lane or roadway where allowed
Always follow Maryland traffic laws and safety rules when you ride.
If you already have a valid Maryland driver’s license, you do not need a separate moped permit or Class M (motorcycle license) to ride a moped.
Moped permit quick links
Applying for a moped permit
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Maryland moped permit.
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Prepare for the knowledge test
Learn what will be on the knowledge test and study to prepare.
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Make a moped permit appointment at a MVA branch office
You must apply for a moped permit in person at a Maryland MVA branch office. Schedule an appointment for a permit at a location that is convenient for you.
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Gather what you need to apply for a moped permit
Before you apply, make sure you have:
- Your Social Security number (if you have one)
- Documents to verify your identity and residency in Maryland. You can find out which documents you need to bring using the myMVA Document Guide or start your application on myMVA.
- ID Card if you have one: you will have to surrender your ID to get your Moped permit.
- Glasses or contact lenses, if needed (see vision requirements for more information)
- Parent/Guardian if you are under 18 - they will need to be present for your appointment and sign documents
- Moped permit fee
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Visit a MVA branch office to take the knowledge test
During your visit you will:
- Present your documents
- Have your photo taken
- Do a vision screening or confirm vision form
- Take the knowledge test
- Pay the required fee
If you fail the knowledge test you will be required to schedule an appointment to come back and retest. The customer agent will help you schedule it, or you can do so on myMVA online services.
What to expect after applying
Your Maryland federally complaint or non-compliant moped permit will be mailed to your Maryland residential address on file. You will not receive it at your appointment.
You should expect to receive your moped permit in the mail within 10 days. You will be given an interim document, so you may operate your moped until you receive the permit in the mail.
Safety requirements
Being safe helps protect you and others on the road. When riding a moped:
- Wear a helmet. Operators of mopeds and motor scooters are required to wear approved motorcycle helmets and approved eye protective devices.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals
- Ride safely and predictably
More information about moped permits
Mopeds and motor scooters are smaller and slower than motorcycles and have different rules.
Moped
A moped is a bicycle with working pedals and a small motor. A two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicle is considered a moped if it:
- Has two or three wheels with working pedals that drive the rear wheel
- Has at least one wheel more than 14 inches in diameter
- Has a motor rated at 1.5 brake horsepower or less
- If gas-powered, has an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters (cc) or less
Motor Scooter
A motor scooter is a small motor vehicle without pedals. A vehicle is considered a motor scooter if it:
- Has a seat for the operator
- Has two wheels
- Has at least one wheel 10 inches or more in diameter
- Has a step-through frame
- Has an automatic transmission
- Has a motor rated at 2.7 brake horsepower or less
- If gas-powered, has an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters (cc) or less
Simply, both a moped and motor scooter must have:
- Engine size not greater than 50 cubic centimeters (cc)
- Top speed not greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground
A moped permit does not qualify you to ride larger motorcycles. If you plan to ride larger motorcycles with bigger engines or higher speeds you will need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license and you must pass additional tests for motorcycle skills. Learn more about motorcycle licenses.
You may operate a moped or motor scooter on Maryland roads with a:
- Moped Permit
- Driver's License
- Motorcycle License
A Class M motorcycle license is not required. However, each individual operating a moped or a motor scooter on any roadway in Maryland must have a driver license of some class issued in Maryland or another state.
If your driving privilege has been suspended, revoked, refused or cancelled, you are not eligible for a moped permit.
All mopeds and motor scooters are required to be titled in Maryland.
Individuals are also required to verify at the time of titling that they carry the minimum amount of liability insurance for the moped or motor scooter. You must carry a current insurance card with them when operating the vehicle.
For more information, visit the Mopeds, Motor Scooter, and Off-Road Vehicles titling.
Maryland participates in the one license/permit for one person program. If you have a moped license and wish to apply for a learner's permit to obtain a driver's license, the learner's permit will not contain a photo. If you have a learner's permit with a photo and wish to apply for a moped license, the moped license will contain your photo and the learner's permit will be re-issued without a photo.
- When operating a motor scooter or moped, the rider must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical and safe except when:
- Making a left turn.
- Operating on a one-way street.
- Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle.
- Avoiding pedestrians or road hazards.
- The right lane is a right turn only lane.
- Operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motor scooter and another vehicle to travel safely side by side.
- Motor scooter or moped operators may ride side by side only if the flow of traffic is unimpeded and must exercise due care when passing a vehicle.
- Operators of motor scooters or mopeds must wear a DOT compliant motorcycle helmet and approved eye protection.
- If the roadway has a bike lane paved to a smooth surface or a paved shoulder, a person operating a motor scooter or moped must use the bike lane or shoulder and may not ride on the roadway except for a situation identified above as (1 through 6).
- A passenger cannot be carried on a motor scooter or moped unless the motor scooter or moped is equipped to carry a passenger.
- The use of headsets covering both ears, or earplugs are prohibited except in certain circumstances.
- A person may not operate a motor scooter or moped on a roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour, or on an expressway or other controlled access highway.
- A motor scooter or moped may not be operated at a speed in excess of 30 miles per hour.
- It is unlawful to operate a 3-wheeled motor scooter or moped in any jurisdiction other than Ocean City.
- Operators of motor scooters or mopeds should check their local jurisdictions for any laws that may affect the operation of a motor scooter.
Prior to the sale of the vehicle, any dealer or agent or employee of a dealer, salesman, or other person who sells the motor scooter or moped must inform the buyer of the operating restrictions.