Is a motorcycle a vehicle? Motorcycles have a long history associated with freedom, the open road, and in some ways a sense of rebellion. However, are they considered vehicles, and, if so, what features classify them as such? Let’s take a look at what qualifies a motorcycle as a vehicle and the DOT requirements.

Motorcycles are popular because they are just plain fun. They have a long history and are associated with freedom, the open road, and in some ways, a sense of rebellion. However, are they considered vehicles, and, if so, what features classify them as such?

Is a motorcycle a vehicle?

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), a motorcycle is defined as a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or a saddle for the rider’s use and designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. As the definition implies, motorcycles can come with more than two wheels. Motorcycles with three wheels are called trikes.

Laws for three-wheel motorcycles can vary from state to state. Many states base the requirements to operate a trike on the roadways based on the wheel configuration.

For example, some states allow riders to operate them even if they don’t have the motorcycle endorsement if the wheel configuration is one in the front, two in the back. However, if the wheel configuration is one wheel in front and two in back, a motorcycle endorsement is needed.

Motorcycles have different requirements than cars and trucks

In general, motorcycles and cars need to obey the same rules of the road. If there is any rule-breaking, for example, if a motorcyclist is speeding, they will receive the same fines as if the vehicle were a car or truck. However, seat belts are not required on motorcycles, and in most states, there are seatbelt laws.

Motorcyclists may be required to wear a helmet in some states. Statistically, 40% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve riders that are not licensed properly, making proper licensure important to operate motorcycles safely.

Some laws are specific to motorcycles, such as two motorcycles are allowed to occupy a single lane. Some states also have laws that require motorcyclists to wear eye protection, such as Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Licensing for motorcycles

There are requirements that a person must meet to operate a motorcycle. The learner’s permit is a written test and also requires an eye exam. A rider course is a good idea even if it isn’t required because it helps familiarize riders with motorcycle laws and riding techniques. Some states will offer the endorsement after the rider course is completed without taking the road test.

Then, a motorcycle learner’s permit can be obtained so that the rider can get experience in real-life situations on the road. The permit will last 6 to 18 months, depending on state laws.

Once the rider has practiced enough and feels ready, it’s time to take the road skills test. The bike used to take the test must have a valid license plate, registration, and insurance. After passing the road skills test, the rider will receive a new license with a motorcycle endorsement.

Motorcycles are a great alternative to cars and trucks because they tend to be more affordable to purchase. They are not only an economical way to get around, but they are also endlessly fun. Taking the right precautions and being well-versed in the road rules can make them a safe alternative to commuting in a car or truck.

Because operating a vehicle and riding a motorcycle require different skill sets, practice and instruction are essential when purchasing a motorcycle as an alternative to cars and trucks.

Permit requirements like vehicles

Like vehicles, motorcycles need a driving permit for operation on regular roads and highways. Without this permit, the riders cannot move them. Violations can result in tickets, penalties, fines, and punishments. Moreover, a learner’s permit is essential to operate them on all roads.

The rider passes the eyesight inspection and written examination to ride a motorbike. However, these rules are similar for four-wheelers and their drivers. These similar properties and requirements make their vehicles. In the United States of America, car drivers need a license.

Similarly, riders require an authorized license. The USA residents cannot violate these rules for motorcycles and cars.

Road familiarity tests and riding courses are essential for motorcyclists. A car driver can get a license at the age of 16 to 18 years, according to the policies of the federal government of the USA.

Moreover, riders can get their permits and license at the age of 18 years. These permits are temporary and expire after a specific period. The permits usually last 6 to 18 months, and time varies according to the laws of various states.

Carrier of passengers

Several people use motorcycles and cars as carrier vehicles. Motorcycles are better with quick parking and better accommodation.

Their frames have weight handling capacities because the stock frames contain aluminum and steel. However, their frames are strong and can handle the weight of an adult.

The seating area is a passenger-carrying space, which makes it identical to a vehicle. Furthermore, their built-in inline or combustion engines provide specific horsepower.

According to continuous power flow, the frame can handle the individual’s body weight. Like vehicles, they can protect the passengers because the wheels have momentum with the frame.

These are transportation methods like other automobiles and are considered a vehicle. Moreover, they are an alternative to other automobiles.

They are economical and move at different accelerations. They need similar riding skills, expertise, and practice. These skills are essential for driving various vehicles. Also, you require identical patience and instructions for them.

Why it matters to motorcyclists?

It’s good to have knowledge about the actual definition of the word “automobile” and know whether or not a motorcycle falls under that category. But since it seems to be kind of a gray area for most, why does it matter whether or not a motorcycle is considered an automobile?

Well, for the most part, it probably doesn’t matter. People throw the term “automobile” around a lot and it can be used interchangeably without the blink of an eye from anyone. However, there is one case where where it does matter knowing if a motorcycle is or is not an automobile and that usually pertains to anything legal.

Legal matters, such as insurance, will very much get nit-picky about the actual definition of the word automobile and whether or not a motorcycle is considered one. Let’s look at an example. Let’s say you had your motorcycle placed in a storage unit. One night, a large fire happens and your motorcycle was unfortunately one of the casualties of the fire.

You had opted in with your homeowner’s insurance to have “off premises” personal property coverage which normally covers your items placed in a storage unit. Your insurance states that it covers automobiles in it’s policy. One would think that a motorcycle would have been considered an automobile, so you feel like the cost of replacing your motorcycle should be covered.

Because the legality of insurance likes to put a strict definition on situations so they have a fine line of what they will and will not pay for, your home owner’s insurance would likely not cover the motorcycle because it technically is not considered an automobile. You are left relying on your motorcycle insurance if you had any.

So while, for the most part, it doesn’t matter if a motorcycle is considered an automobile or not, it does matter in a legal sense. Be sure to look at the fine print and understand what automobile means before assuming your motorcycle relates to it when it comes to anything legal.

Difference between automobile and motor vehicle

So if a motorcycle isn’t necessarily considered an automobile, what is the best umbrella term to use to describe a motorcycle? The term “motor vehicle” is likely your best bet when using interchangeable words.

The definition of a motor vehicle is actually different from automobile. According to the United States Department of Justice, “the word motor vehicle includes road vehicles, such as automobiles, vans, motorcycles, and trucks, as well as off-road vehicles such as self-propelled construction and farming equipment.”

Motor vehicle is a much broader term than automobile and can be used to define any type of machine that is used to take a person from point A to point B and is self moving. Motorcycles fall directly underneath this category.

So what exactly is the difference between an automobile and motor vehicle? The term motor vehicle is not exclusive to just four wheeled vehicles like the term automobile. It also does not state how many passengers are required to make it as such, only that it can get a person from one place to another.

So if you ever sign a contract that discusses motor vehicles rather than automobiles, your motorcycle should be covered under that term since it’s much more broad and entails really anything that can go on the road.

FAQs

Is a motorcycle called a vehicle?

Motorcycles and cars are both considered to be motor vehicles. But, a motorcycle is not a car.

Is a motorcycle an automotive vehicle?

A motorcycle is a motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground per California Vehicle Code (CVC) 400 (a) and whose motor displaces more than 150 cubic centimeters (150cc).

What type of vehicle is a bike?

A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike, push-bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-powered assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A bicycle rider is called a cyclist, or bicyclist.

Above is information about Is a motorcycle a vehicle? that we have compiled. Hopefully, through the above content, you have a more detailed understanding of Licensing for motorcycles. Thank you for reading our post.