In 2013, serious changes were made to the law of the Russian Federation on road safety that affected the categories of driver’s licenses: instead of 9 (including a tram and trolleybus), there were 16. There were also toughened requirements for drivers. These amendments confused ordinary citizens, and many are still worried about which motorcycles do not need rights, and which ones are needed.
Motorcycle driving license categories
Currently, the main category for controlling two-wheeled mechanical transport is A. It includes motorcycles, scooters and other similar vehicles. At first glance, everything is simple. However, if earlier it was possible to obtain the relevant rights at 16, now the law requires that the driver be at least 18 years old. For those who can’t wait to drive, category A1 is provided. It allows you to pass on the right to 16, but you can only control motor vehicles with an engine capacity of not more than 125 cubic centimeters and a power of less than 11 kW.
Also, do not forget about the subcategory B1 - these are tricycles and quadricycles, and categories M - mopeds and light quadricycles. For each individual case, it is worthwhile to dwell in more detail to determine which category of rights is needed for a motorcycle of one type or another.
Scooters and mopeds
Traffic regulations The Russian Federation defines a moped as a vehicle with two or three wheels, the engine capacity of which cannot be more than 50 cubic meters, and the maximum speed is 50 km / h. In this case, the location of the wheels does not matter.
A scooter (aka a scooter) is easy to distinguish from another two-wheeled transport: the design provides a recess with a foot platform, thanks to which the driver does not sit astride, just like on a chair. As a rule, models with an engine capacity of up to 50 cm are supplied to the European market3.
Such mopeds and scooters fall under the category M. They are allowed to drive from 16 years old, and not from 14, as before. A category is automatically assigned upon receipt of any driver’s license. For example, you can pass on the rights of A1 or B, and immediately get M.
But not all scooter models fall under the definition of a moped. There are scooters that can reach speeds of up to 150 km / h. In such cases, focusing on engine size, you can understand which category of rights is needed. A motorcycle up to 125 cubic centimeters requires category A1, with more power - A.
Light motorcycles
Motorcycles up to 125 cubic meters have several advantages in comparison with both mopeds and more powerful equipment. They reach speeds of up to 130 km / h and weigh little, so even beginners can cope with them. In addition, a variety of models allows you to choose a convenient option for the city or for cross-country driving.
Which motorcycles do not need rights? Unfortunately, to control equipment up to 125 cubes, you will have to get the A1 category. The disadvantage of this option is that if you want to change the iron horse to something more serious, with a cubic capacity higher, you will need to attend a driving school again. Category A1 does not give the right to drive a motorcycle with a power above 11 kilowatts.
Sportbikes
A beautiful and powerful high-performance sports bike, the dream of most motorcyclists, is also a terrible nightmare for most people. While the former associates it with adrenaline and complete freedom, the rest associates it with wild roar and deadly maneuvers.
Sports motorcycles are difficult to manage, have a rather uncomfortable fit and are designed to ride on special high-speed tracks. But, despite this, they are very popular in Russia, and most motorcyclists travel on them along public roads.
Of course, in order to manage such equipment, you need to be an experienced driver. And, of course, it is easy to understand what rights are needed for a motorcycle of 250 cubic meters and above. A category A driver’s license is indispensable.
Classic motorcycles and cruisers
Despite the fascination with high-speed models, road bikes do not lose their relevance. Riding both the classic and the cruiser on asphalt is as comfortable as possible. Due to their design, they provide a comfortable, direct fit.
Many are interested in what kind of cubic rights for a motorcycle of this type are needed. There are no exceptions for cruisers and classics, a driver's license is required for all equipment. Up to 125 cubic meters - A1, above this value - category A.
Sidecar Motorcycles
Previously, such a technique was very popular in the USSR, it was used as an inexpensive and affordable alternative to a passenger car. Throughout the 20th century, cradle motorcycles were widespread in the armies of different countries. But over time, they began to lose popularity and are currently available in limited quantities.
At first glance, it seems obvious that driving a motorcycle with a sidecar is very different from riding a two-wheeled vehicle. This is a much less maneuverable, but also more stable technique, requiring special skills. Therefore, it is not always immediately clear what rights are needed for a motorcycle with a sidecar.
But if you remember that the cradle, as a rule, can be unhooked, everything falls into place. Management will also require Category A, without any additional training. However, before setting off on a motorcycle with a side trailer, you need to carefully study the features of its behavior on the road. An inexperienced driver can easily allow the equipment to tip over on bends or lose control due to sidetracking during acceleration and braking.
Cross bikes
This class of vehicles is also called SUVs. They are designed for motocross classes. They lack headlights and other lighting, and rubber does not provide the necessary level of adhesion to the roadway. According to the law of the Russian Federation, cross-bikes are sports equipment, do not require registration and registration.
In view of the foregoing, the most obvious answer to the question of which motorcycles do not need rights is cross bikes. But one important detail must be taken into account: it is forbidden to drive on public roads! According to the law, a cross-country motorcycle should be delivered to the track only using special equipment. In no case under its own power.
Tricycles and quadricycles
In attempts to find out what types of motorcycles do not need rights, many pay attention to tricycles and quadricycles. But with them everything is not so simple. To drive a light quadricycle whose mass does not exceed 350 kg and a speed of 50 km / h, a driver's license of category M is sufficient
For vehicles of higher power and tricycles, you will need a subcategory B1. Only citizens who are at least 18 years old can receive it. Moreover, if the equipment is equipped with a motorcycle-type steering wheel, then drivers with an open category A also have the right to drive.
Punishment for riding a motorcycle without a license
The desire to know which motorcycles do not need rights is easily explained, because the daily use of two-wheeled vehicles in urban conditions is not always convenient. And not everyone is ready to spend several months in a driving school for rare recreational trips on the weekend. But at the moment in Russia, as in most developed countries, obtaining a driver’s license to control a motorcycle is necessary.Category A is almost universal and allows you to ride almost any iron horse.
But those who dare to go on the road without the appropriate rights should know about the punishment. According to the first part of Article 12.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, the size of the fine for such an offense is from 5 to 15 thousand rubles. In addition, the vehicle is evacuated to the parking lot. If the equipment belongs to another person, they can also be fined 30 thousand rubles.
