Do you need a license in 2021 to drive a moped or scooter?

Small vehicles in the Russian Federation are gaining increasing popularity. Scooters are easy to use, do not require much parking space, and are maneuverable. However, when driving on the road, a citizen must know the traffic rules of the Russian Federation and be able to drive a vehicle. There was no need for a driver's license for a scooter, but current legislation is periodically subject to changes. Due to the increasing number of accidents involving owners of small vehicles, it was decided to introduce category M licenses. However, not all vehicles were covered by the law. Therefore, it is recommended to figure out in advance whether you need a license for a scooter in 2021.

What type of transport is called a scooter?

A scooter is often equated to a moped or a regular motorcycle. The action is incorrect. In fact, the scooter is somewhere in the middle. The vehicle differs from a moped in its structural origin. If we are talking about a scooter, then this is a lightweight modification of a motor scooter. The above vehicle, in turn, is a type of full-fledged motorcycle.

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There is no official definition of a scooter in the traffic rules. The fact is that the personal scope of the vehicle is very wide. In 2021 they range from category M to A.

So, there are the following scooter models:

• hyperscooter – engine capacity exceeds 500 cubic centimeters;
• maxiscooter – engine capacity is 250-400 cubic centimeters;
• midiscooter - engine capacity is 125-250 cubic centimeters.

The wide variation makes it much more difficult to define a scooter from a legal point of view. The traffic rules reflect the terms “moped” and “motorcycle”. Specifications by category are made based on the speed and design characteristics of transport. However, the following features must be taken into account:

1. Most scooter models have an engine capacity of 50-125 cm3. As a result, you will need to obtain a category A1 license (Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety”).
2. The engine power of classic moped models is up to 50 cubic centimeters. To travel on the road you must obtain a category M license.

From the above we can conclude that in 2021 the scooter belongs to the A1 category of light motorcycles, but only conditionally. Much depends on the specific model.

In the European and Russian markets, scooters with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic centimeters were previously very popular. No license was required for such vehicles. Significant changes have now occurred. In the Russian Federation and most EU countries, you need a license to drive a scooter. Consumer demand has leveled off. There are not many people who want to acquire category M licenses. The majority of beginner scooter riders prefer to immediately pass to category A.

Law on obtaining a driver's license for a scooter

The process of obtaining a license in the Russian Federation is regulated by Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety”. The categories of certificates are enshrined in Article 25 of the above-mentioned legal act. On November 5, 2013, the classic list was supplemented with category M. Its presence is necessary for driving mopeds and scooters with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic centimeters. The certificates themselves began to be provided on November 5, 2014. From this date, drivers of mopeds and scooters could enroll in a driving school and obtain a driver's license.

Certain adjustments have affected the traffic rules of the Russian Federation. In particular, paragraph 1.2 established the definition of a moped. It is called a two- or three-wheeled mechanical vehicle, the maximum speed of which cannot be more than 50 km/h, and the working volume of the internal combustion engine does not exceed 50 cubic centimeters. By definition, a low-power scooter is suitable here. To drive such vehicles, category M license is required.

If an electric motor is installed, its maximum power in continuous load mode should be 0.25 - 4 kW. ATVs with similar technical characteristics are considered mopeds. The driver of such a vehicle is required to have a category M driver's license (clause 2.1 of the Russian Traffic Regulations).

Since a scooter is a cross between a moped and a motorcycle, there is also a convergence in the availability of rights. Their category depends on engine power. If the above specifications for a moped are exceeded, an A1 license may be required. In 2021, such licenses are required for motorcycles and scooters with an internal combustion engine displacement not exceeding 125 cubic centimeters and a maximum power of up to 11 kW. If the indicators are higher, a category A certificate will be required.

Traffic regulations for driving mopeds

As has already been mentioned several times, driving mopeds has a number of features.

Here are the main ones:

1. Persons over 16 years of age can travel on public roads on mopeds with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic meters.
2. Mopeds can be ridden not only on roads, but also on a bike path or the side of the road.
3. Only drivers with open categories A or A can carry passengers on a moped
4. If the design of the moped does not provide a separate seat for a passenger, then transporting other people is completely prohibited.
5. Moped drivers are also prohibited from towing any other vehicles.

Do you need a scooter license in 2021?

A scooter license has been required since 2014. The fact is that on December 10, 2012, a bill was introduced for consideration to amend the Federal Law “On Road Safety”. The regulatory legal act was approved on November 5, 2013. However, the document came into force only a year later. Those interested were able to enroll in a driving school to obtain a driver's license for low-power vehicles.

In 2021, to drive a scooter, you need a license of category M (scooter engine capacity is not more than 50 cc), A1 (scooter engine capacity is more than 50 cc and less than 125 cc) or A (scooter engine capacity is more than 125 cc). It all depends on the engine power.

Do you need a license for a scooter up to 50cc in 2021?

A scooter with an engine capacity of less than 50 cubic centimeters requires a category M license. If you refer to Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety,” it turns out that such a license is needed for mopeds and light quadricycles. The definition of the first vehicle is enshrined in clause 1.2 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. It says here that a moped is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with an engine displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters and a maximum speed of no more than 50 km/h. If the scooter meets these characteristics, it is recognized as a moped. As a result, there is a need to obtain a driving license for a category M scooter.

Requirements for obtaining a driver's license

In 2021, the list may change depending on the category of scooter license required. The list of requirements is reflected in Article 26 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety”. Persons who have reached the established age and have a medical certificate stating that there are no contraindications to driving a vehicle are allowed to take the exams.

Additionally, you will need to undergo professional training. Category M and A1 can be obtained from the age of 16. To obtain a Category A license, you must be of legal age. The list of medical contraindications to driving a scooter in 2021 is enshrined in Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1604 of December 29, 2014. The main ones are:

• presence of mental or behavioral disorders;
• diseases of the nervous system and diseases of the eye and its appendages;
• absence of limbs or their deformation;
• hearing loss below the permitted level.

What do licenses for a scooter look like?

In 2011, driver's licenses in the Russian Federation were renewed. This was done to bring the document into compliance with international standards. This makes it possible to drive a vehicle on the basis of a Russian license in other countries. Due to the introduction of the M category in 2014, another update took place.

In 2021, scooter licenses are laminated paper forms with a plastic insert glued between them. This allows us to classify the document as being made on a plastic basis. The size of the ID is 85.6 by 54 mm. The corners are rounded. The form has a number of protective elements against counterfeiting. Present:

• water marks;
• protective mesh;
• inscriptions made with luminous paint.

The list is not exhaustive. The name of the driver's license for the scooter is printed on the front. The inscription is only in Russian. The RUS icon is located at the top left. Across the entire width of the scooter driver's license there is a stylized image of a road with intermittent markings. On the left is a photograph. Its size is 21 by 30 mm. Sections in the document are not signed. They are indicated by numbers. The following data is recorded here:

• Full name, year and place of birth;
• validity period of the driver's license;
• organization that granted the rights;
• series and number of the certificate;
• the name of the categories of vehicles that a citizen can drive.

There is a table with categories on the back of your scooter driver's license. In 2021, there is additionally a “special notes” column. Here we use designations that are understandable to foreign traffic inspectors. Additionally, the series and number printed on the front side are duplicated. There is a barcode designed to be read by an electronic device. This is additional protection against counterfeiting.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining category M licenses

To obtain a driver's license for a scooter in 2021, you must undergo professional training and pass an exam (Article 26 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety”). You will have to act according to the following scheme:

1. Select a driving school that offers the required program and submit an application.
2. Wait for enrollment, pay for tuition and complete theoretical and practical classes.
3. Pass the internal exam and prepare a package of documents for the traffic police.
4. On the appointed day, visit the exam location and complete the assigned tasks.
5. Find out the final result. If it is positive, you can get your license.

In order for a citizen to be allowed to take the exam to obtain a license to drive a scooter, you will need to prepare a package of documents. The list should include:

• certificate of completion of a driving school;
• completed application;
• passport;
• medical certificate.

The exam will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of the Government of the Russian Federation Resolution No. 1097 of October 24, 2014 “On admission to driving vehicles.” The test consists of a theoretical and practical part. If a citizen needs a license for a scooter, riding in the city is not possible. The test is limited to completing tasks in a racetrack environment.

Knowledge testing is carried out by authorized officials in the State Traffic Inspectorate unit. Initially, a citizen must pass the theory. The following is being checked:

• knowledge of traffic rules;
• understanding responsibility for non-compliance with rules;
• mastering information about the vehicle’s approval for operation;
• presence of information on the provision of first aid.

The theory must be taken in the form of a test. You have 20 minutes to answer. The ticket contains 20 questions. There are several answer options for each of them. The examinee must choose the correct one. When the specified period of time is completed, the exam ends. A person is considered to have passed the theory if he has given at least 18 correct answers. In this case, you cannot make two mistakes in one block of questions. For each incorrect answer, you are given 5 additional questions and five minutes to solve them. If the person gives the correct answers, the test is considered successful. When the 3rd mistake is made, a retake will be required. A repeat exam is held no earlier than 7 days from the previous day. If 2 retakes are failed, a third attempt is scheduled no earlier than a month later.

When the theory is passed successfully, you have to pass the practice. During it, the ability to move away, maneuver a scooter, and use rear-view mirrors is assessed. The set of exercises consists of 3 parts. A person is obliged to fulfill them all. If the exercise cannot be completed successfully, a retake is carried out. It is performed according to the same principles as the theory retake. The only difference is that the theoretical exam for obtaining a driving license for a scooter has an expiration date. After 6 months you will need to retake it too.

Fines for riding a moped without a driver's license

The legislation does not provide for the obligation to obtain a license for bicycles, scooters, Segways and some other equipment. However, there is a separate category for mopeds, and all drivers using them on public roads must have a driver's license.

The amount of the fine for its absence depends on the circumstances of the violation:

1. 500 rub. – the driver passed the exam and has the right to drive, but forgot to take with him a supporting document - a certificate.
2. 000-15,000 rub. – the driver did not pass or did not pass the license test at all. The same fine is provided for drivers whose driver's license has expired.
3. 000 rub. – the largest fine is provided for persons driving a vehicle after deprivation of their license. However, instead of a fine, the inspector may impose arrest for 15 days.

In addition to the disenfranchised driver, other persons may also receive punishment. For example, a fine of 30,000 rubles. The owner of the vehicle will also receive it if he voluntarily transferred control to a person without a driver’s license. And if a minor child gets behind the wheel of a moped without a license, then his parents can be punished. They are also subject to a fine of 5,000 to 15,000 rubles.

I don't have my ID with me

The smallest fine is provided for those drivers who forget to take their driver's license with them. Such an action does not create a public danger, but is still recognized as a violation of traffic rules. The punishment is imposed in accordance with Part 2 of Art. 12.3 Code of Administrative Offences.

Driving without a license

Driving a vehicle without obtaining a driver's license is punishable by a fine of up to 15,000 rubles. This is established by Part 1 of Art. 12.7 Code of Administrative Offences. However, it is worth knowing that driving with an expired license is also punishable under the same article.

But for driving a moped after deprivation of a license, the punishment will be more severe, since the former driver has already shown his dishonesty. In this case, the fine is imposed according to the next part of the same article. And in addition to the fine, it also provides for the possibility of applying administrative arrest for up to 15 days.

Who is held accountable if the moped was driven by a minor?

For minor offenders, a fine is issued under the same article 12.7 and the amounts of fines remain the same. However, if the child does not have official income, then the parents are held accountable: the obligation to pay the fine lies with them. In addition, if they transferred control of the moped to him, then they will have to pay a fine and for transferring control to a person without a license - an additional 30,000 rubles.

Driving with someone else's or a false license

For driving with a fake or someone else's license, the violator will face a much more severe punishment - criminal.

Forgery of documents and their use is punishable in accordance with Article 327:

1. For the mere falsification of a document, one can be imprisoned or sent to forced labor for up to 2 years, as well as arrested for up to six months.
2. For the fact of using a forged document, they can also be sent to places of restriction of freedom or forced labor, but the term will be shorter - up to 1 year.

Cost of obtaining a license for a scooter

The cost of training at a driving school includes theory, practice and subsequent support at the traffic police. However, the cost of obtaining a scooter license varies significantly. The indicator is influenced by:

• the region in which the training takes place;
• demand for the service;
• composition of the service package;
• category of rights that a citizen wants to receive.

The cost of obtaining a license for a scooter in 2021 varies from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles.

You can find out the exact price by contacting the selected educational institution directly.

Who can get an M license?

Buying a moped is half the battle. But does a person who has the right to drive a heavy truck, bus or trolleybus have the right to operate it? The answer is that he has, when he has a mark on the opening of category M on his certificate. If there is no such record, then it will not be possible to roll out on two wheels equipped with a motor.

Any citizen of Russia who has no contraindications for driving a moped has the right to receive a driver’s license with the open form mentioned above. The latter is confirmed by the presence of a medical certificate. It should be recalled that permission is issued to citizens only when they reach the age of 14, and upon entry into force of legislative innovations - from the age of 16. This rule applies to driving all categories of light motorcycles.

Heavier two-wheeled vehicles with an engine capacity of over 125 cm 3 will require the owner to reach the age of majority - 18 years. From this age you can get permission to drive cars. Increasing the class of equipment requires increasing the category and age at the same time.

You can go to a driving school much earlier, starting at age 14. True, the teenager will be allowed to take the traffic police exams only after two years. Documents issued by the driving school will serve as confirmation of completion of this training course.

Now there are many driving schools providing services to the public. But this does not mean that you need to rush into the first one you come across. Having decided to apply for training, the future student needs to study the offers of several schools and compare them.

They may differ due to the following factors:

1. Opportunity for training. Not all schools offer the opportunity to obtain a license to drive a scooter.
2. Tuition costs can vary significantly, although obtaining an M form itself is not particularly difficult.
3. Reviews from graduates posted on the Internet will greatly benefit the listener.

The cost of training for a moped driver is, on average, 10-15 thousand rubles. Perhaps, for obtaining a professional license, this difference is not so significant, but not for riding a two-wheeled motor bicycle. If the driver has a higher open category, this may be a slight advantage, since the rules of the road for all types of vehicles are based on the same basis. You can simply take private lessons and then take the exams.

Do you need a license for a scooter if you have category B?

It all depends on what category of driver’s license is required for a scooter. If the engine power allows you to drive a vehicle with a category M license, you will not need to obtain an additional document.

Paragraph 7 of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1996 “On Road Safety” states that a Russian national driver’s license, confirming the presence of the right to drive a car of any category and subcategory, gives the right to drive a vehicle of category M.

If there is a need for an A or A1 license, category B does not provide access to driving such scooters. The corresponding rule follows from the provisions of the above-mentioned legal act. You will have to obtain a certificate separately.

What category of license allows you to drive a moped (scooter)?

As mentioned earlier, to drive a moped or scooter you need an M category license. However, they are not the only ones suitable. According to the law, drivers with licenses of any open category can drive these types of vehicles. That is, if the owner of a moped has a category “B” driver’s license, then the “M” category in his license opens automatically. This means there is no need to take additional exams for category “M”.

What category of license allows you to drive a moped (scooter)?

It is worth mentioning separately. In some cases, it appears on the driver’s license directly opposite the “M” category. This is not a special permit, but quite the opposite, a ban on driving a moped and scooter for medical reasons.

Thus, drivers who have received a driver’s license of category “M” or any other category: A, B, C, D and even Tm and Tb (tram and trolleybus) have the right to drive mopeds and scooters.

Do you need a license for a scooter if you have a foreign license for a scooter?

Paragraph 12 of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196 “On Road Safety” states that persons permanently or temporarily residing or staying in Russia may be allowed to drive on the basis of a national driver’s license. However, if it is not there, the use of foreign or international rights is acceptable. In this case, it is necessary to comply with the provisions of paragraph 13 of Article 25. It states that driving vehicles on the basis of a foreign driver’s license is not allowed if the car or, in our case, a scooter is used for work or business activities.

The exception is citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic and states in which legislation establishes the use of Russian as the official language.

From the above it follows that driving a scooter with a foreign license in Russia in 2021 is acceptable. At the same time, there is no time limit during which a person can use the ID on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Do you need a license for a scooter in Belarus and Ukraine?

In Belarus, approximately the same rules apply as in the Russian Federation. To operate a scooter of any type, you will need a license. If the engine capacity is less than 50 cubic centimeters, you will need an AM license. For a maxiscooter, you must have a category A license.

In Ukraine, you also need to obtain a license to drive a scooter. If the engine displacement is less than 50 cubic centimeters, an A1 license will be required. In all other cases, a license A is required. Other categories do not give the right to drive a scooter.

How and where to get a moped license

To obtain a driving license, a newly qualified driver will have to take a “young fighter” course and pass exams at the traffic police department.

Of course, an educational institution must have not only qualified teachers, but also an appropriate license.

The training lasts no more than two months and is divided into theory and practice. The latter takes place at a specialized site, where students demonstrate their mastery of technology.

Nuances

After the introduction of category M, inspectors are required to check the availability of rights to a scooter. If there is a suspicion that the engine size does not correspond to an open category, the vehicle can be checked against the database via the Vin number.

In practice, illegal imposition of punishment may occur. When the engine capacity is calculated incorrectly, or the inspector imposes a fine by making other errors, a person can challenge the ruling. The procedure is carried out in accordance with the norms of Article 30.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

What can you drive without a license?

Russian legislation provides for the use without a special right to drive only those vehicles whose performance is less than that required for category M.

Driving a scooter requires a document confirming the right to drive. By using a scooter without a license, the owner is subject to punishment according to the law.

Which motorcycles do not require a license? Specialized two-wheeled motocross vehicles can be operated without a license. A motorcycle without a license has quite serious characteristics, but they cannot be used on the highway. Thus, you don’t need a license to drive a pit bike, but driving a moped requires a license.