Mississippi Motor-Assisted Bicycle Laws
- MIssissippi has strick helmet laws.teen in helmet image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
In Mississippi, motorized bicycles are treated as motorcycles, and the laws that apply to motorcycles also apply to these bicycles. Riders need a special endorsement on their driver's license to drive a motorcycle in Mississippi. Anyone riding a motorcycle, either as a passenger or as the driver, must wear a helmet at all times. - All riders of motorized bicycles in Mississippi must obtain a special endorsement, called an E endorsement, on their licenses to ride a motorized bike. Applicants must read a book, take a written test and pass a road test to obtain the endorsement to drive a motorcycle.
After passing the written test, the state issues a learner's permit. Once the learner believes he is sufficiently skilled at riding a motorized bicycle, he goes to a testing center where he demonstrates his ability to ride the bike safely. Because the unlicensed driver is operating on a permit, he must be followed closely by a licensed motorcycle driver while he travels to the testing center. The applicant also may bring the motorized bicycle in a vehicle on a rack, in the trunk, or in the back of a truck or van. A helmet is required when taking the road test for the license. - A motor-assisted bicycle does not have to be titled in Mississippi unless the rider takes it on public streets. The motorized bikes are treated like motorcycles with respect to registering and licensing. To obtain a title, the owner must show proof of insurance and the bill of sale.
When registering a used motorized bike, the registrant must provide the signed title. When registering a new motorized bicycle, the registrant needs to provide a receipt and the manufacturer's certificate of origin.
If the motorized bicycle does not have a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) or was manufactured before 1980, Mississippi does not require it to be licensed. The state considers these to be toy vehicles, and they are not allowed on public roads. - Mississippi has strict laws about helmets for motorcycle riders. Helmets are required throughout the state, and they must have the U.S. Department of Transportation endorsement on them. Riders of motorized bicycles have to use motorcycle helmets, not bicycling helmets.
