How to Register a Scooter in Hawaii
Mopeds are a fantastic way to explore Hawaii, whether you’re cruising along scenic roads or navigating bustling cities. But before you hit the road, make sure your moped is registered. Here’s a guide to help you through the registration process in Hawaii.
Understanding Moped Classifications and Regulations
Before you start, it’s important to know how Hawaii classifies mopeds and the rules that apply. In Hawaii, mopeds/motorized scooters are defined as a vehicle with two or three wheels on the ground, a motor with a maximum power output of two horsepower (1492 watts) or less, and if it has a combustion engine, a maximum piston or rotor displacement of 3.05 cubic inches (50cc).
Most of these mopeds will have automatic transmission, which means you’ll not have to worry about shifting gears like you will have to with most motorized vehicles.
It should also be able to move on a flat surface at a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour, with a direct or automatic power drive system that doesn’t need manual clutch or gear shift after the drive system engages.
In Hawaii, moped owners have to register their mopeds every year, and they have to pass a safety inspection. To legally drive a moped in Hawaii (whether you own one or you’ve rented one), you need a valid driver’s license, a license plate, and liability insurance. And no one under the age of 15 can drive a moped in Hawaii.
Step-by-Step Moped Registration
If you want to register a moped, you’ve come to the right place. Gather required documents and complete the application for moped registration.
Here are the documents you’ll need:
- Completed Application for Moped Registration form
- Original Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) for your new moped
- Provide proof of ownership (e.g., driver’s license or identification card)
- Proof of insurance and other fulfilled insurance requirements
- Current Hawaii temporary moped safety inspection certificate with registration defect only
For out-of-state transfers:
You’ll need your moped registration and/or title, depending on the state.
- If you want to register a moped on Oahu, you require an annual safety inspection. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HI DOT) has an updated list of moped safety inspection stations, sorted by county and zip code. You can visit the local DMV or Satellite City Hall (Oahu) for immediate service.
- For Oahu, you can renew at any DMV Now self-service kiosk or make an AlohaQ appointment to visit window 17 at the Kapalama Driver Licensing Center on a Tuesday or Thursday morning. If you prefer to renew by mail, follow the instructions on the renewal notice or visit any satellite city hall on Oahu.
- Once you’ve completed the registration application and paid the registration fees and any applicable taxes, you’ll receive your registration and license plate.
- For example, in North Carolina, the registration fee is $25.50, which includes the license plate costs and additional county registration taxes.
- Once you’ve submitted all the required documents and paid the fees, the DMV will process your registration.
- You’ll get a registration certificate or sticker and a license plate, which you must put on your moped.
- Make sure the license plate is attached to the holder/bracket on the back of your moped, facing the rear, and is clear and easy to read.
Motorcycle License Requirements
After you register a moped, you’ll be allowed to ride it in Hawaiii f you have a valid driver’s license. You can use any class license, but keep in mind that mopeds are classified into two categories based on engine size. Some mopeds have an electric motor, and you’ll need a license to use those as well.
Having a valid moped license that allows you to ride some mopeds and scooters is compulsory.
There is a written exam that you should take before the practical test, where you will be asked to ride one of the two-wheel vehicles around a track (very rarely on public roads, unlike a car license test where you’ll mostly drive on public roads with a driving examiner sat next to you).
In some cases, you will be asked to take a safety course so that you will have all the necessary information about road safety in theory before a practical test.
Moped Classifications: Hawaii has two main categories for motor vehicles:
Class A Mopeds: These have an engine displacement of 50cc or less and a top speed of 30 mph. You don’t need a motorcycle license for these, but you must be at least 15 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
Class B Mopeds: These have engines larger than 50cc or can go faster than 30 mph. To operate a Class B moped, you’ll need a Class 2 motorcycle license and must be at least 18 years old.
License Plate Color: 50cc mopeds need a white license plate, which means you’ll need a motorcycle license. For 49cc mopeds, any class of license is okay, and they usually have a yellow plate.
Skill Test: If you want a Class 1 moped driver’s license in Hawaii, you’ll need to take an off-street skill test. The skills test may be waived if you have a motorcycle skills test Certification for Waiver issued by the Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program or a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another state.
Now, let’s talk about transferring ownership of your motor scooter.
If you’re selling or giving your moped to someone else, here’s what you need to do:
1. The person who’s selling the moped (the registered owner) signs line 1 on the Certificate of Registration and writes the date of sale or release.
2. The person who’s buying the moped (the new owner) fills out the lines that are appropriate for them (for example, details about paying sales tax, their insurance information, etc.).
3. If the registered owner doesn’t have the Certificate of Registration, they need to give the new owner Forms CS-L(SS)35 and CS-L(SS)47, both filled out and signed.
4. The new owner takes the completed documents (bill of sale) to the Kapalama Driver Licensing Center or any satellite city hall on Oahu within 30 days of the sale or release date. They’ll need to make an appointment with an AlohaQ representative for this service.
5. The ownership transfer fee is $5 if you do it within 30 days. If you don’t, you’ll have to pay a penalty fee of $10, making the total fee $15.
6. The registered owner also needs to fill out Form CS-L(SS)215 (Bicycle/Moped Notice of Transfer) within 10 days of the sale or release. If they don’t, they could get a fine of up to $100.
Just a friendly reminder about some important things to keep in mind when it comes to motorized bicycle/motor scooter registration in Hawaii.
Annual Renewal:
– Your moped registration needs to be renewed every year.
– You should get a renewal notice about 45 days before your registration expires, but don’t wait for it! Renew on time, even if you don’t see a notice.
– To renew, you’ll need to have a current safety inspection report on file.
Penalties for Not Compliance:
– If you don’t register your moped, you could face fines and even have it impounded.
– In Hawaii, the police can seize and sell your unregistered moped.
– And if you try to use a fake decal, you’ll be hit with a hefty $500 penalty.
Dealer Assistance:
– If you buy a new moped from a dealer, they’ll usually help you with the initial registration and give you a Certificate of Inspection.
Important Documents:
– Always keep the completed application and Certificate of Inspection with you when you’re riding your moped until you get the registration, license plate, and emblem sticker in the mail.
By following these steps and staying on top of local regulations, you can make sure your moped is properly registered and you can ride it safely and legally in Hawaii.
The moped registration process in Hawaii might seem a bit tricky at first, but don’t worry, with a little planning and attention to detail, it’ll be a breeze! Just gather the required documents, learn about the specific rules for your moped type, and follow the steps below. You’ll be cruising the beautiful Hawaiian Islands in no time, feeling the freedom and convenience of moped travel. So, get your paperwork ready, schedule that safety inspection, and let’s get ready to ride – mahalo!
FAQs
What kind of scooter does not require a license?
In Hawaii, you don’t need a motorcycle license to ride a Class A moped with a 50cc engine or less and a top speed of 30 mph. But for a Class B moped (over 50cc or faster than 30 mph), you’ll need a Class 2 motorcycle license.
What do I need to register a moped in Hawaii?
To register your moped in Hawaii, you’ll need to fill out a form, bring the original MSO from the manufacturer, a current safety inspection certificate, proof of ownership, and pay the fees. The moped also needs a label from the manufacturer that says it meets all the safety standards.