LICENSE REQUIRED TO DRIVE
Every person who operates a motor vehicle on the highways of the
State of Alabama must first secure a driver license.
Alabama law recognizes two classes of engine-equipped cycles:
1.
Motorcycle
is defined as a motor vehicle having a seat or
saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not
more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but
excluding a tractor.
2.
Motor-Driven Cycle
is defined as every motorcycle, includ-
ing every motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to
exceed five brake horse-power nor to exceed 150 cubic centi-
meter engine displacement and weighs less than 200 pounds
fully equipped, and every bicycle with motor attached.
A person who has attained the age of 16 and who has been issued a
class M driver license may operate either a
motorcycle
or
motor-driven
cycle.
A person who is at least 14 years of age may apply for a restricted
license to operate a
motor-driven cycle
only. Under Alabama law, a
moped is considered a motor-driven cycle. The parent of guardian of
any child shall not authorize or knowingly permit the child to violate
any provision of the code regulating the operation of motorcycles or
motor-driven cycles.
Once a 14-year-old is licensed to operate a motor-driven cycle, the
license is valid for a four-year period for that class vehicle. The “Class
M” must appear on the license in order to operate the cycle. Restriction
“B” (motor-driven cycle - 5 horsepower or smaller - for ages 14 and 15
only) will then apply. At age 16, the applicant may return to the driver
license examining office and transfer to a motorcycle class license
without the size restrictions.
LICENSE TO BE CARRIED AND
EXHIBITED ON DEMAND
The law requires that every driver in the State of Alabama have his
or her driver license in possession at all times when operating a motor
vehicle and shall display the license upon the demand of a judge of any
court, a peace officer, or a state trooper.
M OTORCYCL E OPERATOR
L I CENSE REQUI REM ENTS