Does a 50cc motorcycle need to be licensed?
4 Answers
A 50cc motorcycle needs to be licensed. Yellow or blue license plates: Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50CC or above (including 50CC) require a yellow license plate and a driver must obtain an E or D license to operate them. Motorcycles with an engine displacement below 50CC (excluding 50CC) are classified as light motorcycles and require a blue light motorcycle license plate. To ride such motorcycles on the road, the driver must have at least an F license (E or D licenses are also acceptable). Policy requirements: In reality, so-called motorcycles below 50CC often have engines that are actually 50CC or even larger but are underreported. Some regions may require all motorcycles to have a yellow license plate and an E license to be road-legal. However, policies vary across different regions in China. Some localities have specific regulations that allow light motorcycles below 50CC to operate without a license plate or a driver's license, but these are exceptions. It is advisable to consult the local traffic management authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information based on regional policies.
I've seen many questions about 50cc motorcycles. Actually, in China, 50cc motorcycles usually require license plates because according to the law, anything above 50cc falls under the motor vehicle category. Riding without plates can result in fines or vehicle impoundment by the police. For example, when I rode a small-displacement motorcycle without proper plates, I was fined 200 RMB and it wasted my time. Regulations vary by city—places like Shanghai might be stricter—but generally, registration is required for legal riding. I also recommend consulting the vehicle management office when buying a motorcycle, or finding a reliable seller to help with the paperwork to avoid future hassles. Additionally, don’t assume small-displacement bikes aren’t important—getting plates also makes it easier to obtain insurance. In case of an accident, having plates allows for faster claims processing. In short, it’s better to spend a little extra on proper procedures than to take unnecessary risks.
I usually ride a motorcycle for fun, and a 50cc bike definitely needs to be registered—otherwise, the risks are too high. I remember last year my friend bought a 50cc motorcycle without registering it, and he got pulled over by traffic police. Not only was he fined, but his bike was also impounded, and he had to pay for repairs out of his own pocket later. Registering your bike has many benefits, like having clear vehicle records, making it easier for repair shops to handle issues, or increasing its resale value. I’ve also noticed that unregistered bikes are more likely to attract thieves or face issues with insurance claims in case of accidents. I’d advise new riders to check local traffic regulations or ask experienced riders for advice before buying such bikes—don’t skimp on registration fees. In short, registration is a basic safeguard—it’s safe and hassle-free.
In my experience, 50cc motorcycles must be registered to be legally ridden on the road. In most regions of China, motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50cc or above are classified as motor vehicles. If caught without a license plate, the police may issue a fine ranging from tens to hundreds of yuan, and the vehicle could also be impounded. More importantly, insurance companies will not cover accidents involving unregistered vehicles, leaving you to pay for repairs and medical expenses out of pocket, which can be significantly higher. I emphasize the importance of high safety awareness—always wear a helmet and ensure your vehicle is compliant. It's advisable to purchase from a professional seller who can handle the license plate registration process for you.
