Is a Driver's License Required for a Moped?
3 Answers
Mopeds require a Class F driver's license. Here is the relevant information: Regulation: A Class F license indicates that the holder is permitted to operate a moped. According to the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses,' a moped is defined as a motorcycle with an engine displacement of no more than 50ml and a maximum design speed of no more than 50km/h. No other vehicle types are permitted. Class F Driver's License: Permitted vehicles: Motorcycles with an engine displacement of no more than 50ml and a maximum design speed of no more than 50km/h. A Class E license allows the operation of two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. A Class F license permits the operation of motorcycles with an engine displacement of less than 50ml and a maximum design speed of no more than 50km/h.
I've looked into this issue. For us ordinary folks, buying a lightweight motorcycle for commuting is indeed convenient, but you really need to get a license! For those small motorcycles with an engine displacement not exceeding 50cc, traffic regulations require an F-class license to ride legally. Back when I was riding my electric scooter to buy groceries, I got stopped by traffic police who checked my license. Without one, I was fined 200 yuan on the spot and had my scooter impounded. Don't underestimate these lightweight motorcycles—they're still motor vehicles. Getting an F-class license isn't actually difficult; just spend a few days at a driving school learning traffic rules and basic operations. Don't cut corners by riding without a license. If you have an accident, insurance won't cover it, and hurting yourself would be even more troublesome. Nowadays, traffic cameras can detect unlicensed riding, so there's no hiding. The safest bet is to sign up at the vehicle management office.
From a legal perspective, mopeds fall under the category of motor vehicles and definitely require corresponding driving licenses. According to China's "Road Traffic Safety Law," riding a two-wheeled moped with an engine displacement below 50cc requires an F-class license. This is no joke. Last year, Old Wang in our neighborhood rode a small scooter without a license to buy groceries and was stopped by traffic police right after leaving the community. As a result, his vehicle was temporarily impounded, and he had to pay a fine. It took him a month to finally get his scooter back. I recommend you first enroll in a driving school to obtain an F-class license. The cost is around 800 yuan, including training and examination fees. Remember to carry your license with you after passing the test, as traffic police are currently enforcing the rules quite strictly.
