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All About Mopeds

A moped is a small motorized vehicle that can be powered by pedals or an engine. Different rules apply to mopeds than bicycles or motorcycles.

Moped Rules of the Road

  • You must be at least age 16 to drive a moped.
  • Every moped driver operating on Virginia roadways must carry a government-issued photo ID (does not have to be a driver's license).
  • Every driver and passenger must wear a Virginia State Police-approved helmet while riding a moped. Drivers must also wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles unless the moped has a windshield.
  • It is illegal to drive a mopeds on the interstate.
  • It is illegal to drive a moped if your license is suspended or revoked for convictions of DUI, underage consumption of alcohol, refusing a blood/breath test, or driving while suspended/revoked for a DUI-related offense.
  • If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked for a DUI-related conviction, you must comply with all requirements imposed by DMV and the court before operating a moped.
  • Individuals with outstanding fines for high-occupancy toll lanes or toll violations cannot register any motor vehicle, including mopeds, until those fines have been paid.

If you are traveling through Virginia, or are a temporary Virginia resident, you must still meet the above requirements, even if they are not required in your home state.

Note: These requirements do not apply to mopeds that are solely operated on private property.

How to Title and Register a Moped

If you’ve recently bought or been given a moped, you will need to register it with DMV to receive a title. Please submit the following:

  1. Ownership documents (title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin) that came with the vehicle purchase.
  2. Title fee and annual registration fee. See Fee Chart.
  3. Completed Moped Certification.

Note: Customers without an ownership document can submit documentation such as a Bill of Sale with a completed Moped and All-Terrain Vehicle Affidavit in Lieu of Title Certificate.

You do not need

  • Electric vehicle fee
  • Insurance
  • Odometer reading
  • Safety inspection

See Mopeds in Virginia for more information on titling and registration.

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Helpful Reminders

Your locality may require local vehicle stickers (sometimes referred to as “registration”) in addition to these requirements.

If you are operating a moped on a college or university campus, check the parking policies for restrictions.

If a moped is operated in excess of 35 mph or has a motor that displaces more than 50 CCs, it is considered a motorcycle. You would then need to comply with all vehicle registration, insurance and inspection requirements, and driver licensing laws as motorcycles.

Moped Taxes

Mopeds are subject to the Sales and Use Tax (SUT) and exempt from the retail sales and use tax. The SUT is imposed on the vehicle’s sales price at a rate of:

  • Seven percent in the Historic Triangle (City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County)
  • Six percent in Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia and Central Virginia
  • 5.3 percent everywhere else in the Commonwealth of Virginia

The minimum SUT of $75 does not apply to mopeds. If you don’t have proof of the sales price, the SUT will be based on the trade-in value listed in the NADA Official Used Car Guide.

Safety Tips

Wear safety equipment. We encourage moped drivers and passengers to wear Virginia State Police-approved helmets and other protective clothing, such as gloves and a riding jacket. Avoid sandals, shorts and short sleeves. Do not carry more people at one time than the moped is designed to carry.

Be observant. Keep an eye on your surroundings. Angle both mirrors to maximize visibility. It is against the law for any person to operate a moped while using earphones.

Ride defensively. Do not be aggressive; mopeds are smaller than most other vehicles sharing the road. Night riding is not recommended, but if you must ride at night, wear bright clothing, reflective strips on your jacket and your helmet, and keep your headlight in good working order.

Take a training course. Many driver training schools in Virginia offer courses specific to mopeds. Contact a Virginia Rider Training Program location to see if it offers moped training courses.