Are you unsure whether or not you need a special driver’s license for the Honda Ruckus in your American state? Check this list to find out. Some states require a special vehicle registration for your scooter, too.

This list is growing. Leave a comment if you want to help!

StateMotorcycle License or EndorsementRegistrationSource
CA
California		Class M1 license requiredRegistration requiredMotor-driven cycle: A “motor-driven cycle” is any motorcycle with a motor that displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters. A person may not drive a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver’s license or endorsement issued under this code for that class, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code, or those persons specifically authorized to operate motorized bicycles or motorized scooters with a valid driver’s license of any class, as specified in subdivision (h) of Section 12804.9.
CT
Connecticut		Motor vehicle operator’s licenseNoMotor Driven Cycles: If you have a motor scooter, moped or motorbike having a motor that produces 5 brake horsepower or less (or 3.7 kW or less) and a seat height of at least 26 inches, you may operate it on the roadway without registering it. However, you must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license to operate it, and you may not operate it on any sidewalk, limited access highway or turnpike. If the maximum speed of your cycle is less than the speed limit of the road that you are on, you must operate in the right hand lane available for traffic or upon a usable shoulder on the right side of the road unless you are making a left turn.
DE
Delaware		Driver’s license with motorcycle endorsementRegistration requiredMotor Scooter: Motor scooters must be titled/registered as motorcycles under Delaware law. Operators of these vehicles must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
FL
Florida		Class E license or higherRegistration requiredScooters 50 cc or less: Class E License or higher – scooter must be street legal, (i.e., require proper operating equipment- brake lights, headlight, mirror etc. per S. 316 F.S., and tag, title and registration.
ID
Idaho		Driver’s license with motorcycle endorsementRegistration requiredA random commenter below
IL
Illinois		Driver’s license of any classRegistration requiredA random commenter below
KY
Kentucky		Driver’s licenseNo plates required 
LA
Louisiana		Driver’s licenseRegistration requiredMotor driven cycle means every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor of not to exceed five horsepower. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to motorcycles, motor driven cycles, and motorized bicycles under five horsepower. Their operation shall not require a license or endorsement.
MD
Maryland		MD or other state driver’s license requiredNoMotor Scooter: Each individual operating a moped or a motor scooter on any roadway in Maryland must have a valid driver’s license of some class issued in this state or from the individuals’ state or country of residency.
MA
Massachusetts		Driver’s license or learner’s permit requiredRegistration requiredMotorized Bicycles: Motorized Bicycles are regulated by a registration process with the RMV. Applications can be downloaded on-line at www.mass.gov/rmv or are available at any branch. Operators must have a registration decal affixed to the rear of the vehicle. Operators must be 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
NH
New Hampshire		Driver’s license or special motorcycle license requiredRegistration required at local registration office.Special moped licenses & driving mopeds: No person shall drive a moped on a way of this state unless such person possesses a driver’s license or special motorcycle license or is duly licensed to drive a moped by a special moped license.
NJ
New Jersey		Basic auto license requiredRegistration requiredLow-speed Motorcycles: Basic auto license holders can operate a low-speed motorcycle without any endorsement or separate motorcycle license. Low-speed motorcycles are less than 50cc or have a 1.5 brake horsepower motor or less with a maximum speed no more than 35 miles per hour on a flat surface. Low-speed motorcycles may not be driven on any state toll road, limited-access highway or any public road with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.
NY
New York		Class M license requiredRegistration requiredLimited use motorcycles: The Vehicle and Traffic Law defines a limited use motorcycle as “a low-speed vehicle with two or three wheels.” Terms frequently used for limited use motorcycles are “mopeds” and “motor scooters.” The requirements to operate a moped are like those for motorcycles. You must have a driver license and you must register a moped to drive it on streets and highways. The DMV certifies a moped as a Class A, Class B or Class C limited use motorcycle according to top speed.
NC
North Carolina		No license required if you are never caught going faster than 30 MPH, otherwise a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement is required.No registration required if you are never caught going faster than 30 MPH, otherwise registration is required.Moped: Must be age 16 or older to operate on NC highways or public vehicular areas. A motorcycle safety helmet is required by law when operating a moped on NC highways. A moped cannot have a motor of more than 50 cubic cc, an external shifting device, or have the capability of exceeding 30 miles per hour on a level surface. A driver license is not required. The moped does not have to be registered, inspected or covered by liability insurance.
OH
Ohio		License with motorcycle endorsement requiredRegistration required4507.11: Except as provided in division (B) of this section, an applicant for a motorcycle operator’s endorsement or a restricted license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle shall give an actual demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle by driving the same under the supervision of an examining officer. Except as provided in section 4507.12 of the Revised Code, the registrar shall designate the highway patrol, any law enforcement body, or any other employee of the department of public safety to supervise and conduct examinations for temporary instruction permits, drivers’ licenses, and motorcycle operators’ endorsements and shall provide the necessary rules and forms to properly conduct the examinations.
OH
Ohio		License with motorcycle endorsement requiredRegistration required4507.11: Except as provided in division (B) of this section, an applicant for a motorcycle operator’s endorsement or a restricted license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle shall give an actual demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle by driving the same under the supervision of an examining officer. Except as provided in section 4507.12 of the Revised Code, the registrar shall designate the highway patrol, any law enforcement body, or any other employee of the department of public safety to supervise and conduct examinations for temporary instruction permits, drivers’ licenses, and motorcycle operators’ endorsements and shall provide the necessary rules and forms to properly conduct the examinations.
OK
Oklahoma		Class M License requiredRegistration requiredMotor-driven cycle: A motor-driven cycle is any motor vehicle having a power source that has a piston or rotor displacement of greater than thirty-five cubic centimeters (35 cu cm) but less than one hundred fifty cubic centimeters (150 cu cm).
PA
Pennsylvania		Class C license requiredRegistration requiredChapter 15 A 1504 d 3 III: The holder of a Class C license shall also be authorized to drive a motor-driven cycle with an automatic transmission and cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab, but not a motorcycle unless the license is endorsed, as provided in this title.
RI
Rhode Island		NoRegistration requiredMotor Scooters: Effective March 2006, operators of motor scooters with engines smaller than 50 cubic centimeters and that do not exceed 30 mph are only required to have a valid drivers license.
TX
Texas		Class M license requiredRegistration requiredMotorcycle safety FAQ: A scooter is not a legal vehicle classification so it will need to be registered as either a moped or motorcycle and you will be required to have a class M license. By legal definition a moped must meet all three of the following criteria and be on our online Certified Moped List prior to registration. If the moped in question meets the criteria, but is not on our list it may be added by following the directions on our website for submitting a Moped Affidavit.
VT
Vermont		NoRegistration requiredMotor driven cycles: The operator does not need a motorcycle endorsement.
VA
Virginia		NoNoMopeds: Although you do not need a driver’s license to operate a moped, you may not operate a moped if you have been declared a habitual offender or your license is suspended or revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No moped shall be driven on any highway or public vehicular area faster than 35 miles per hour. Operating a moped faster than 35 miles per hour is deemed by Virginia law to be operating a motorcycle, which requires you to title and register the moped as a motorcycle and obtain a motorcycle license.
WA
Washington		Driver license requiredRegistration requiredMoped: “Moped” means a motorized device designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and having an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder displacement not exceeding fifty cubic centimeters which produces no more than two gross brake horsepower (developed by a prime mover, as measured by a brake applied to the driving shaft) that is capable of propelling the device at not more than thirty miles per hour on level ground.
WV
West Virginia		Class F license requiredRegistration requiredMotorcycles: If you want to operate a motorcycle on the public roads, you must have obtained either a motorcycle endorsement (F) on your driver’s license or a Class F motorcycle only driver’s license.
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