Drivers’ License

Question

Judith asked:  What is the penalty for driving a motorized bicycle without a license?

Answer

Motorized bicycles are those defined in s. 316.003, and are not motor vehicles requiring an operator to have a driver’s license.

s.  316.003 – Definitions

(2) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which a person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels.

s.  322.01 –  Definitions – As used in this chapter:

(27) “Motor vehicle” means any self-propelled vehicle  …. excluding vehicles moved solely by human power, motorized wheelchairs, and motorized bicycles as defined in s. 316.003

s.  322.03 – Drivers Must be Licensed; Penalties

(1) Except as otherwise authorized in this chapter, a person may not drive any motor vehicle ….  unless such person has a valid driver’s license  ….

7 Comments on “Drivers’ License

  1. ok i looked it up under florida statutes and constitution and under statutes 320.01 1a and 28 but now the panama city police are saying you got to register it

  2. They want one of two things…
    1.) Register a bicycle
    OR
    2.) Register your gas powered bicycle as a moped.

    Also don’t get confused…
    Although one statute might say a moped isn’t a motor vehicle. (the one you’re stating (section 320) has to deal with tags and NOT with DRIVERS license —> DL is section 322)

  3. this is a bit confusing. 316.03 mentions electric helper motor. What do we make of the gas driven” helper” motor?

  4. DMC,
    You should read the information in the posts about mopeds and motorized bicycles and take it to your dealer. Show it to them and ask them what statutes they are referring to when they say no license is required. A motorized bicycle is only a bicycle if it has an electric motor. A gas-powered cycle is a moped or a motorcycle, both of which require registering and a drivers license.
    Geo

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