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Is it a Motorcylcle?

Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined
If you’re unsure about the registration and insurance requirements for your two-wheeled vehicle, please call the DHSMV at (850) 617-2000 for clarification.

  • Motorcycle―Motorcycles are generally the easiest of the two-wheeled vehicles to spot. Know that if your two-wheeled vehicle has an engine displacement of more than 50 cc, Florida considers it a motorcycle and you must register it.
  • Mopeds―Your vehicle is a moped if it has these charactaristics:
    • Three or fewer wheels
    • A seat
    • Pedals that allow you to propel the vehicle
    • A motor of two-brake horsepower or less
    • The ability to go no faster than 30 mph
    • An automatic power-drive system
    • A displacement of 50 cc or less (if it has an internal combustion engine)
  • Scooters―Your vehicle is a scooter if it has:
    • No seat or saddle
    • Three or fewer wheels
    • The ability to go no faster than 30 mph

Florida Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

The DHSMV recommends contacting a licensed insurance agent for specific details about purchasing insurance for your motorcycle. Financial Responsibility Law
You might want to use as a minimum,  the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements for private passenger vehicles as outlined in the Financial Responsibility Law as guidelines:

  • $10,000 for one person in bodily injury liability
  • $20,000 for two or more people in bodily injury liability
  • $10,000 per crash in property damage liability
  • $30,000 in combined single limits

No Fault Law

The state also enforces a No-Fault law by which you might need to abide. No-fault insurance covers incidents in which no bodily injuries occur, and includes:

  • $10,000 per person/crash in personal injury protection
  • $10,000 per crash in property damage liability

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Motorcyclists who are at least 21 years old and have a minimum of $10,000 with a medical insurance policy don’t have to wear helmets while operating their bikes.
However, every motorcyclist, regardless of age or insurance, must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

After your insurance carrier sends the DHSMV the details of your insurance policy, the DHSMV will keep those details in its computer system. Still, you should keep proof of your insurance or other form of financial responsibility with you. Depending on how you insure or establish financial responsibility for your motorcycle, you can show proof with your:

  • Insurance ID card from your insurance carrier.
  • Financial Responsibility Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.
  • Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Generally, owners who can show no proof of insurance face suspended driving privileges, registrations, and license plates, as well as reinstatement fees between $150 and $500. The DHSMV recommends calling the customer service line at (850) 617-2000 or your local Motor Vehicle Services office for details about what will happen if you fail to maintain financial responsibility.

We invite you to call or email us today for a free consultation and no-obligation proposal for any or all your insurance needs. We look forward to hearing from you. CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY! Or you can use our convenient online form to get in touch.