The regular Class 1 license required to drive a passenger car allows you to drive other vehicles besides regular cars. One of these vehicles is a motorized bicycle, often referred to as a moped, but you may hear concerns such as ``Will I be able to ride one with a regular license?'' and ``Will I be unable to ride one due to a change in the law?'' Are these rumors true?

In this article, we will explain the latest relationship between regular licenses and mopeds. The best way to deal with rumors caused by anxiety is to keep up with the latest and accurate information and respond accordingly. We will also explain the range of vehicles you can drive with a regular license, so let's take this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the regular license.

There will be no change in the law that will prevent people from riding mopeds.

In conclusion, as of January 2023, the law has not been revised to make it impossible to ride a moped with a regular driver's license. You don't need to get a license again, so you can ride with confidence without worrying about rumors.

The revised Road Traffic Act came into effect on May 13, 2022. This is the latest revision as of January 2023, and it is related to measures for elderly drivers, the establishment of regulations such as a review of eligibility for driving license examinations, and a review of fees related to driver's licenses and vehicle loading limits. did. In this revision, no language has been confirmed that prohibits or restricts the driving of mopeds by ordinary license holders. The same applies to past revisions.

When the conditions for a driver's license change, there is a major legal movement involved. It's unlikely that things will suddenly change without anyone noticing, so be sure to keep an eye on the news regarding legal revisions related to road traffic laws, etc.

Definition of a motorcycle called a moped

The only type of moped that a regular driver's license allows is a type of moped, but some people may have doubts about this wording. Even though they are simply called mopeds, they are legally defined by detailed characteristics, such as there being one type and two types.

There are one type of moped that you can ride with a regular license, and two types that you cannot ride. The confusion about the relationship between mopeds and regular licenses is not unrelated to the fact that the name "moped" includes two types of vehicles.

In this article, we will explain the legal definition of a motorcycle, which is generally referred to as a "moped."

Official name is motorized bicycle

Mopeds, whose official name is ``motorized bicycles,'' have long been used as a light means of transportation for individuals. It has common names such as scooter and mini bike, and it is not uncommon for it to be called by the informal name Hara Chari or Hara Cha when combined with the common name for bicycle.

As the name "bicycle" suggests, a moped is a type of vehicle that derives its name from a bicycle retrofitted with a small gasoline engine. When it was first introduced, it was a vehicle that did not require a license like a bicycle, but in 1952, a license was required for those 14 years of age or older, and in 1960, with the enactment of the Road Traffic Law, a license was required.

Under the current Road Traffic Act, a moped (a type of motorized vehicle) is defined as follows:

• Motorcycles with a motor with a displacement of 50cc or less
• Motorcycles equipped with electric motors with a rated output of 1.0kW or less

Although there is a regulation for 50cc or less, most of the numbers in the specification table of catalogs are set at 49cc. This is said to be done to prevent exceeding the 50cc limit in the unlikely event that it would be difficult to produce at exactly 50cc.

Also, electric motors are included in the definition of mopeds because electric scooters that run on electricity rather than gasoline are also treated as vehicles that are included in mopeds.

Vehicles defined as mopeds are required to have compulsory automobile liability insurance just like regular cars, so violations will result in penalties. Although it is a vehicle that can be used casually, it is important to remember that as long as it is a vehicle, it is operated under strict laws.

There are one type and two types

The classification of motorcycles differs between the "Road Traffic Law" and the "Road Transport Vehicle Law."

According to the Road Traffic Act, motorized bicycles (mopeds) are 50cc or less. On the other hand, the Road Transport Vehicle Act defines motorcycles with a displacement of 125 cc or less as mopeds, and of these, motorcycles with a displacement of 50 cc or less are called "Class 1 motorized bicycles (Class 1 mopeds)", and motorcycles with a displacement of 51 cc to 125 cc are classified as "class 1 motorized bicycles (class 1 mopeds)". Motorcycles are defined as "class 2 motorized bicycles (class 2 mopeds)."

According to the Road Traffic Act, which determines the driver's license system, a moped license only allows you to drive a motorcycle of 50cc or less. To ride a motorcycle between 51cc and 125cc, you will need a small motorcycle license.

Therefore, if you ride a Type 2 moped (51cc to 125cc motorcycle) with a regular license, you will be driving without a license, and you will be given 25 violation points, have your driver's license revoked for 2 years or more, and be sentenced to imprisonment for 3 years or less, or 500,000 yen. You will be subject to severe penalties such as the following fines:

It cannot be denied that misconceptions such as "I can't ride a moped with a regular license" confuse the unique circumstances of these two types of mopeds. Although 1st class mopeds and 2nd class mopeds have the same moped name, it is important to understand that they are legally different.

There are also restrictions on two-seater vehicles, and type-type mopeds are not permitted. In the case of Type 2 mopeds, it is possible to ride with two people on condition that one year has passed since the license was obtained and that the passenger wears a helmet. It is a violation to drive with an infant on your back or to have a small child stand in front of the driver.

If you ride a Class 2 moped without meeting the conditions, you will be subject to a 12,000 yen fine and 2 points for violating the riding method for large motorcycles, etc. When riding for two or if you are invited to ride, first make sure that it is not a type of moped and that it meets the conditions.

Types of motorcycles and cars that can be ridden with a regular driver's license

Vehicles that can be ridden with a regular license include:

• A type of moped
• Electric scooter classified as a type of moped
• 3 wheel trike
• Small special purpose vehicle
• some tracks

Let's look at the details of each in turn.

A type of moped

As explained above, people with a regular license can drive a type of moped. Please note that class 2 mopeds cannot be operated without a regular motorcycle license (small).

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 mopeds can also be confirmed by the color of the license plate. A type of moped has a white license plate, so if you are unsure of the displacement, it may be easier to find out by checking the license plate.

Electric scooter classified as a type of moped

Motorcycles and electric scooters with electric motors with a rated output (maximum output that can be safely achieved under specified conditions) of 1.0 kW or less are classified as type mopeds and can be operated under the same rules. .

Electric scooters, such as electric scooters, which are a type of moped and cannot be registered, cannot be operated as they are not covered by a regular driver's license.

3 wheel trike

Just like mopeds, you can drive a three-wheeled vehicle (three-wheeled trike) used for pizza delivery, etc. with a regular driver's license as long as it is 50cc or less.

Trikes are classified as sidecars under the Road Transport Vehicle Act, but under the Road Transport Vehicle Act, trikes are treated the same as a type of moped as long as they are 50cc or less.

Small special purpose vehicle

You can also drive small special vehicles such as tractors and small forklifts with a regular license.

A small special vehicle is defined as a vehicle with a length of 4.7m or less, a width of 1.7m or less, a height of 2m or less (2.8m or less only for the head guard), and a maximum speed of 15km/h or less. If this condition does not apply, you may need a large special license.

Also, keep in mind that in the case of forklifts, you must have completed special driving education, so it does not mean that you can immediately drive with a regular license.

truck

You can drive a truck with a regular license, but you need to be careful because the type of truck you can drive will change depending on when you got your license.

• Obtained by June 1, 2007: Trucks with a gross vehicle weight of less than 8 tons
• Obtained by March 11, 2017: Trucks with a gross vehicle weight of less than 5 tons
• Acquired on or after March 12, 2017: Trucks with a gross vehicle weight of less than 3.5 tons

To drive a truck larger than this or a vehicle of the same size, a semi-medium, medium, or large vehicle license is required. Please note that there are some difficult conditions to obtain other than semi-medium licenses, such as conditions set on the length of time you hold a driver's license.

Is it dangerous to drive a moped if you just got your license?

You can ride a Type 1 moped with a regular driver's license, but it is not uncommon for people to get permission to ride a moped without having ever ridden a moped, just by taking a class or taking a test on a regular car.

It cannot be denied that, unlike regular cars, mopeds have special rules such as two-step right turns, and there are special points to be aware of. We will introduce the points you need to be aware of in order to avoid danger in advance.

practice beforehand

If you have never ridden a moped before or are not confident in driving one, it is probably safer to practice before driving.

Mopeds have unique rules that regular cars do not have, such as a maximum speed of 30km/h and a two-step right turn that follows the edge of an intersection.

Be sure to read the textbook and do some practice driving to understand the rules. However, practicing on public roads or parking lots, even during times when there are few people, is dangerous and increases the possibility of causing a nuisance. It's best to use courses on private land, circuits, driving schools or driving license exam centers.

Also, if you have someone to teach you how to drive a moped, it will be easier to learn the rules and techniques than if you were to learn on your own. Looking for a riding school or training course that you can participate in is one of the shortcuts to improving your riding skills.

Understand moped driving techniques

Motorcycles, not just mopeds, require driving techniques that are different from regular four-wheeled vehicles. Unlike a regular car, where you sit on the seat and move the steering wheel, two-wheeled vehicles require you to use your entire body, not just the steering wheel.

When making a turn, it is important to not only use the handlebars, but also shift your weight and bank (lay the bike on the side of the turn). If you move too much, you will fall, so be careful. When making a curve, it is important to slow down properly, keep your eyes focused on the destination of the curve, be conscious of the horizontal feeling, and lean your body and vehicle to the extent that you do not force yourself.

Additionally, the speed of mopeds is limited to a maximum of 30km/h. You must also keep in mind that there is a speed gap between you and regular cars and other vehicles running on public roads. The vehicle behind you will attempt to overtake from the right when viewed from the direction of travel, so it is important to be aware of supporting yourself with your left leg and avoid moving too far to the right. If it is too far to the right, your legs or vehicle body may come into contact and cause an accident.

Be careful about what you wear when riding

Wearing clothes that can easily get caught, such as long skirts, may get caught in the tire and cause an accident.

Unlike regular cars, mopeds involve exposing your body, so if your clothing comes into contact with the tires or the road, it can directly cause an accident. Also, even though it's summer, it's best to avoid driving in clothes that expose your skin. If you have an accident, you are more likely to be seriously injured than if you were properly covered.

In winter, it is not uncommon for people to wear mufflers to protect themselves from the cold, but this is also one of the items of clothing that can easily get caught in tires. When wearing a scarf, it is necessary to tuck the end into your clothes.

In any season, long-sleeved clothing and long pants are recommended for safe driving. In addition to avoiding wearing light clothing or clothing with long fabrics, other safety measures include wearing a full-face helmet or protector while driving.

Do not ride in case of bad weather

It is safer to refrain from driving a moped on days when the road conditions are poor, such as when it is raining or snowing. It would be wiser to choose a safer mode of transportation as it may cause a fatal accident.

However, there are times when you cannot avoid bad weather, such as when the weather suddenly changes while you are driving. Even if you pay close attention to the weather forecast, there are many things that you cannot deal with, so it is important to be aware of safe driving during bad weather.

It is common for all vehicles to be aware that braking distances are longer on wet roads, but two-wheeled vehicles are less stable than regular four-wheeled cars and are more prone to slip accidents. Sudden stopping and starting on wet roads is one of the major causes of accidents.

When driving, take all possible safety measures, such as wearing a full-body waterproof raincoat that is sturdy and resistant to getting caught, braking early and gently, and using the rear brake and engine brake.

Additionally, if you neglect to maintain your vehicle, it becomes more dangerous than usual. Old tires or tires with low air pressure are already dangerous, but in bad weather they become even more prone to slipping, which can be a fatal flaw. Whether you are a novice driver or a seasoned driver, regardless of the type of vehicle, being overconfident in your own skills is extremely dangerous. Reckless driving during bad weather can lead to loss of life, so be well prepared and avoid driving optimistically.

Let's check the types of "mopeds" that can be ridden with a regular driver's license

As of January 2023, there are no confirmed changes or changes to the law regarding moped licenses for regular licenses, so if you have a regular license, you can drive a moped.

There are two types of mopeds: one type and two types, of which the relatively small type is permitted for a regular license. If you ride one of the two types, you will be driving without a license, so be sure to check the type of moped you will be driving in advance.

In addition to mopeds, you can drive a variety of other vehicles with a regular license. When driving other vehicles, including mopeds, be sure to have knowledge of the license and driving skills.