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< Back to Previous Page Laws and Motor Scooters in New York Commissioner Nancy A. Naples of the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Chair of Governor George E. Pataki's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), today reminded New Yorkers that miniature motorcycles and motorized scooters advertised by many department stores, sporting goods retailers, auto parts stores and Internet sources may be dangerous and are considered by law to be unregisterable motor vehicles that cannot be operated on public roads. "These vehicles are suitable only for recreational use on private property.  New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws prohibit their use on any street, highway, parking lot, sidewalk or other public area," Commissioner Naples said.  "Although DMV can not regulate their sale, I urge people to be cognizant of the law before purchasing these unregisterable motor vehicles to avoid safety hazards and unnecessary penalties." If you are purchasing a vehicle for use on public roads, it must be able to be registered as such.  "Contact a registered retail motor vehicle dealer who specializes in legitimate versions of these products before making your purchase," Commissioner Naples advised. Consumers should be mindful of a few basic facts when purchasing an item that may be legally considered a motor vehicle: The vehicle should have a valid registration and all appropriate registration and inspection documents should be properly displayed; The vehicle's equipment should be in full compliance with all legal requirements to qualify for registration.  The vehicle should have a manufacturer's certificate of origin which will indicate the vehicle's safety compliance; Insurance must be in effect while the registration is valid; The motor vehicle's operator should be appropriately licensed and have completed appropriate training for proper driving techniques; Motorcycle operators are required to wear a helmet, obey all traffic laws, and avoid operating such a vehicle on sidewalks. "Operation of an unregistered motor vehicle on any street, highway, parking lot, or other public area in New York State is illegal and individuals can be penalized for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of unregistered vehicle, driving an uninsured motor vehicle and/or operating an uninspected vehicle.  Individuals found in violation of the law are subject to civil penalties and/or imprisonment," Naples stated. The GTSC coordinates traffic safety activities across the State and is comprised of 13 member agencies, including the DMV.  The head of each agency acts as that agency's official representative to the Committee, whose initiatives include programs that are designed to promote highway safety. Commissioner Nancy Naples serves as Chair of the Committee.

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