Trike Driver’s license question

[ta1950]

I did search but I haven’t found anything specific so I’m going to ask what may be a dumb question. Simply put, my state of South Carolina doesn’t require a motorcycle endorsement to operate a Trike. But I’ll be traveling through different states, so if I am legal in my home state, do other states that may require a MC license to drive a Trike recognize that I’m legal under my home state’s laws? I know about reciprocity, but I also know that you have to obey the helmet laws in the states you may go to. If anyone can give me information and/or personal experience I certainly appreciate it. Also, sorry if it’s a dumb question.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Not sure of the answer, but, I have an app that is kept up to date on current state laws for bikes. It's called helmet laws.

When I lived in Mass. and was in the Navy, Mass law said I didn't need to renew my license while on active duty. I got a ticket at a random sobriety check for an expired license. It was dismissed in court, but, what a pain in the B$tt. My experience is they ticket incase.

[ta1950]

Thanks. Helmet laws don’t bother me since I always wear a helmet. But the licensing thing bugs me. You would think it should be easy to find a definite answer wouldn’t you? I think I’ll be okay, but I’m going to print out a copy of the SC law and put it in the tour pack. I appreciate your input, thanks again.

[ta1950]

I did find a thread from 2009 that addresses some of my concerns. I’m still hoping to get some more clarification .

https://www.triketalk.com/forum/thre...ke-Endorsement

[1dn5up]

Call your local PD , and ask if a MC endorsement is needed for a Trike. Most legal mumbo jumbo is mis leading. Then call the PD in the state your going to travel thru and ask them. Personally, I’d get one just for s...s and giggles. Then it’s worry free. As far as I know , anything withless than 4 wheels is a MC.

[ta1950]

Thanks for your input. From the SC DMV... a motorcycle is defined as a two wheel vehicle. A trike is not considered a motorcycle. No MC endorsement is needed here. I agree that getting a MC license is the safe way to go, but I’m 68 and my legs aren’t too steady which is one reason I bought the new TriGlide. I’m going to check with some surrounding states and see what their DMV says. I’m hoping to get a definitive answer, and there are some law firms in SC that specialize in MC laws. I may spend the bucks to have one of them get me an answer. Once again thanks.

[Bikerbozo]

Thanks for your input. From the SC DMV... a motorcycle is defined as a two wheel vehicle. A trike is not considered a motorcycle. No MC endorsement is needed here. I agree that getting a MC license is the safe way to go, but I’m 68 and my legs aren’t too steady which is one reason I bought the new TriGlide. I’m going to check with some surrounding states and see what their DMV says. I’m hoping to get a definitive answer, and there are some law firms in SC that specialize in MC laws. I may spend the bucks to have one of them get me an answer. Once again thanks.

Interesting. In NY they consider a trike to be a motorcycle that just happens to have an accessory (extra wheel). Like a sidecar. I remember years ago they had a separate trike license endorsement.

[Peter A.]

FYI - California does not consider a trike a m/c, therefore you can operate one on just your regular drivers license.

Since I ride both I do have the M1 motorcycle endorsement.

Each state is different, I know Washington state requires a separate license + complete a trike course.

Basicily I would think that if you meet the requirements in your home state you should be OK wherever you travel.......hey, but that’s LOGIC!

[Sidecarbill]

I'd travel where I want and wouldn't think twice about it. Cops today have computers in their cars and can access that information in seconds.

[1dn5up]

Could be like the helmet law, even though your state does not require you to ware one, you must ware one if the state you are traveling in requires you to ware one . So it’s state laws VS federal laws . I think?

[Gorilla]

Florida has a specific statute that recognizes non-residence's valid non-commercial drivers license. FS. 322-04 The issue really becomes if you are stopped the reasonableness of the officer in believing your statement that the enforcement is not required in your state. On the side of the road he most likely would not take the time to research it.

[ta1950]

Thanks to all. I appreciate the information. I am going to keep researching but for now I’ve printed out the licensing rules from the SCDMV and put them in with my registration and proof of insurance in the bike.

[David357]

Here is a link that will hopefully answer your great question in relation to (Florida) motorcycle reciprocity:

https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licens...-endorsements/

Here is a direct quote from the Florida Reciprocity/Endorsements link:

"If you are coming from another state and your license is endorsed for motorcycle operation, Florida will reciprocate the endorsement and the motorcycle course will not be required, except Alabama. Alabama licenses with a motorcycle endorsement included will be reciprocated only if a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC) completion card is presented with it."

[ta1950]

Thanks so much. That makes sense. I appreciate your input.

[rhino 2]

Thanks so much. That makes sense. I appreciate your input.

If your state DOESN'T Require a MC Endorsement to drive a Trike and you happen to drive though a state that DOES, And as long as the trike is registered, And your drivers license is from a state that Doesn't require a MC Endorsement, You are good to go..

If the State that your driving though requires a helmet to be worn, Then you will have to wear one...

[ta1950]

Thank you for the info. Appreciate it!

[nucseal]

If your state DOESN'T Require a MC Endorsement to drive a Trike and you happen to drive though a state that DOES, And as long as the trike is registered, And your drivers license is from a state that Doesn't require a MC Endorsement, You are good to go..

If the State that your driving though requires a helmet to be worn, Then you will have to wear one...

Absolutely, correct!! +1

Nuc

[ta1950]

Thanks to all again!