• Scooters qualifying as a limited-use motorcycle can operate on NY highways.Frank Gaglione/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) governs the use of vehicles on state highways, roads and streets. According to state law, the DMV may certify vehicles such as scooters for use on New York highways if they qualify as a limited-use motorcycle. Some types of scooters meet the criteria of a limited-use motorcycle and can be operated on state highways, roads and streets, while others are prohibited from operation.
  
  

Limited-Use Motorcycles

• New York permits limited-use motorcycles, often referred to as scooters, to operate on streets, roads and highways within the state. The law defines a limited-use motorcycle as a low-speed vehicle with two or three wheels and a seat or saddle for the operator. Generally, the law distinguishes between three classes of limited-use motorcycles: Class A (maximum performance speed of more than 30 miles per hour but not more than 40 miles per hour), Class B (maximum performance speed of more than 20 miles per hour but not more than 30 miles per hour) and Class C (maximum performance speed of not more than 20 miles per hour).
  
  

Motorized Scooters

• Motorized scooters, devices designed for a standing rider with a motor and a handle bar, are not permitted on sidewalks, public streets, roads or highways within New York State. Although motorized scooters are motor vehicles, they are not properly equipped for operation on roadways. Operators of motorized scooters risk arrest, because the motorized scooter cannot be registered, licensed, inspected or insured.
  
  

Registration of Limited-Use Motorcycles

• The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) certifies limited-use motorcycles as either Class A, B, or C, upon request for certification by the manufacturer of the vehicle to the DMV Technical Services Bureau. Once certified, the vehicle can be registered for use in New York State, by providing: (1) form MV-82 (Registration and Title Application); (2) form DTF-802 (proof of exemption of tax paid); (3) proof of ownership (Manufacturer's Certificate or Origin, a bill of sale, or a transfer of previous registration); (4) Proof of identity; and (5) payment of registration fee and sales tax.
  
  

Safety Requirements

• All operators of a limited-use motorcycle must wear a helmet and eye protection if operating a Class A or Class B vehicle. Eye protection and a helmet are only recommended for use by operators of a Class C vehicle. Class A vehicles must be inspected and insured and can operate in any traffic lane; Class B vehicles must be insured, but not inspected and can operate in the right-hand lane or the shoulder only; Class C vehicles are only recommended for insurance or inspection and must operate in the right-hand land or on the shoulder only.