What is the minimum cc required for motorcycles to ride on highways?
2 Answers
Any motorcycle powered by a fuel engine with a displacement exceeding 50cc (including 50cc) is classified as a motor vehicle. Therefore, motorcycles with displacements over 50cc are permitted on highways. However, riders must wear helmets, maintain speeds between 60-80 km/h, are prohibited from carrying passengers, and must ride in the far-right lane. Below are the regulations regarding motorcycles on highways: 1. Article 67 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates: Pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, tractors, wheeled special-purpose motor vehicles, articulated buses, full trailers, and other motor vehicles with a designed maximum speed below 70 km/h are prohibited from entering highways. The above regulations do not include a ban on motorcycles. 2. Section 5, Article 78 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: Highways shall indicate the speed limits for lanes, with the maximum speed not exceeding 120 km/h and the minimum speed not below 60 km/h. On highways, the maximum speed for small passenger vehicles shall not exceed 120 km/h, while other motor vehicles shall not exceed 100 km/h, and motorcycles shall not exceed 80 km/h. According to these speed limits, motorcycles are only allowed to ride in the outermost lane of the highway. 3. Section 5, Article 83 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: Cargo vehicles traveling on highways are prohibited from carrying passengers in their cargo compartments. Two-wheeled motorcycles are prohibited from carrying passengers while riding on highways.
As a seasoned motorcycle rider, I can tell you that for highway riding, a displacement of at least 250cc is necessary. I remember a few years ago when I sneaked onto the highway with my 150cc small motorcycle for a test run—not only did I get caught by traffic police and fined 500 yuan, but I also felt extremely nervous on the road. The small displacement lacked power; even with the throttle fully open, it couldn’t accelerate properly when overtaking. If encountering large trucks or windy conditions, the lightweight body felt unstable, and emergency braking resulted in a long skid. Now, my Honda 350cc feels much more stable, cruising comfortably at 80km/h on the highway with reasonable fuel consumption. Chinese regulations stipulate 250cc as the minimum threshold for highway entry, which is truly for safety reasons. I advise beginners not to skimp on displacement—buying a used 250cc like the CFMoto NK series for a few thousand yuan is a great option, offering simple maintenance and strong tire grip. For long-distance rides, always wear a full-face helmet and protective gear, and check the chain and tire pressure beforehand. Once the displacement meets the standard, highways become more time-efficient and hassle-free than regular roads, but always obey speed limits and avoid peak hours.
