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Motorcycles are subject to many of the same laws as cars, trucks, scooters, and other vehicles in New Jersey. However, not all of the same traffic laws apply and those that do don’t always apply in the same ways. This article will help you understand New Jersey’s complicated motorcycle laws and set you up for a better driving experience.

What Is Considered a Motorcycle in NJ?

New Jersey law describes motorcycles as any vehicle with attached mirrors that isn’t a car, truck or van. This definition is quite broad, of course, which means that it encompasses a large variety of different two-wheeled vehicles that you might not think of when you hear the word “motorcycle.” 

For example, motor bikes, bicycles, and tricycles are all types of motorcycles according to New Jersey state law.

Trike Laws

Tricycles are further regulated by New Jersey’s “Trike Laws,” laws that are designed specifically to explain how tricycles fit into the world of traffic. These laws define trikes as any three-wheeled motorcycle.

In order to legally operate a trike in the state of New Jersey without a motorcycle license, you must obtain a motorcycle endorsement. It is possible to obtain that endorsement without getting a full-fledged license, but it will come with the restriction that you are not allowed to drive any motorcycles other than trikes.

Trikes, like other vehicles, must be registered and insured.

Low-Speed Motorcycles Laws

New Jersey state law defines low-speed motorcycles as any motorcycle that meets one of more of the following conditions:

• Has a capacity of 50cc or less.
• Has a total horsepower of 1.5hp or less.
• Has a maximum speed of no more than 35 miles per hour on a flat surface.

It is illegal to drive a low-speed motorcycle on any public roadway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.

Like other vehicles, low-speed motorcycles must be titled, registered, and insured. However, drivers who hold standard driver licenses are allowed to drive low-speed motorcycles without any endorsement or additional motorcycle license.

How to Get an Endorsement

There are two options for drivers looking to get a motorcycle endorsement in the state of New Jersey: enroll in the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or to apply without completing the BRC.

Enroll in the Basic Rider Course (BRC)

This is a two-step process that begins when you enroll with a state-approved provider.

Complete the Basic Rider Course

The Basic Rider Course is a 15-hour program designed to teach you the proper way to drive a motorcycle within the confines of the law. This course is separated between two environments with 5 hours taking place in a classroom setting and 10 hours taking place on the road.

To take the BRC, you’ll have to register with a state-approved provider. Once you’ve completed the course, you will receive a stamped waiver form and a completion card.

Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement

To obtain a trike endorsement, you’ll need to complete the three-wheel BRC, which will earn you a motorcycle endorsement in accordance with the Trike Laws, letting you drive three-wheeled motorcycles only.

If you’d like to use this to apply for an official motorcycle permit, then you will need to bring the BRC course completion documents as long as six forms of ID verification documents to a driver testing center.

Applicants must be at least 17 years old and parent or guardian consent is required for applicants under the age of 18 years.

You’ll then be asked to complete a vision test and to pay the required fees. New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, checks, money orders, and of course cash.

Apply Without Completing the Basic Rider Course

It’s also possible to apply for a motorcycle endorsement without completing the BRC. However, this process is longer and could prove to be more challenging. The following four steps are required:

Obtain a Motorcycle Examination Permit

Begin by bringing six forms of identification to an MVC location near your home and applying for a motorcycle permit. You’ll be required to complete a knowledge test and a vision test before proceeding.

Practice Ride

There is a mandatory minimum of 20 days for practice riding, during which you must observe all motorcycle permit riding restrictions that follow:

• No driving from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
• No carrying passengers.
• No riding on any state toll road or limited-access highway.

Take a Motorcycle Road Test

After completing your practice ride days, you’ll be required to pass the motorcycle road test. To take this test, you’ll need to bring your own motorcycle or trike (which must be registered and insured), helmet, and eye protection.

Passing the test on a trike will earn you your motorcycle endorsement, enabling you to drive three-wheeled motorcycles only.

Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement

Once you’ve been approved for the endorsement, you’ll need to pay the MVC’s testing and licensing fees. New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, checks, money orders, and of course cash.

Motorcycle Licensing

If you do not have a driver license already, don’t fret! There are two ways that you can obtain a motorcycle license in New Jersey without having to have a standard driver license: with or without completing the BRC. Note that the BRC is required for applicants under the age of 18.

All Applicants Without a Driver License Must First Obtain a Motorcycle Permit

No matter how old you are at the time of your application, if you do not have a standard driver license already, then you must first obtain a motorcycle permit. To do so, bring six points of ID verification to a local MVC branch and fill out a permit application. You will then be required to complete and pass the knowledge and vision tests.

Parent or guardian consent is required for applicants below the age of 18.

Enroll in the Basic Riding Course

Getting your motorcycle license through completion of the BRC is a five-step process that is required for drivers below the age of 18 and recommended for all others.

Practice Ride

New Jersey state law requires that you get a minimum amount of practice before taking the BRC to ensure a minimum level of proficiency. If you are under the age of 18, that minimum is six months. If you are at least 18 years old, that minimum is three months (with the added requirement that you not have any suspensions or postponements on your license).

Complete the BRC

Register to take the BRC with a state-approved training provider. Then complete the required 5 classroom hours and 10 riding hours. Upon completion, you will receive your certificate of completion and the corresponding documentation.

Take the Motorcycle Road Test

Contact a local MVC for help scheduling your motorcycle road test. Be sure to bring your own motorcycle or trike (which must be registered and insured), helmet, and eye protection on the day of your test.

Obtain a Probationary Motorcycle License (Class E)

After passing your motorcycle road test, you’ll be required to pay the testing and licensing fees. New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, checks, money orders, and of course cash.

Once you obtain your probationary license, you will need to adhere to the following restrictions:

• You must complete one year of probationary motorcycle riding.
• You must adhere to all Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions.

Obtain an Unrestricted Motorcycle License

Once you have completed the year of probationary driving and are at least 18 years of age, you will be eligible to pay the licensing fee and obtain your unrestricted motorcycle license.

Apply Without Completing the Basic Rider Course

If you are at least 18 years of age, you are not legally required to take the BRC to obtain your motorcycle license. However, doing so will considerably increase your chance of passing the knowledge and road tests. If you decide to apply for a motorcycle license without completing the BRC, follow all of the instructions listed in the above section, skipping any mention of the BRC.

To Title and Register a Motorcycle

To obtain a valid title and registration for your motorcycle, you will need to bring the following documents with you to the MVC location in your county:

• Six forms of identification
• Proof of insurance
• Title, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO or MCO), or registration and a notarized bill of sale if you are purchasing the motorcycle from another person (if buying the motorcycle from a person in a non-titled state, you must also include proof of the sale’s price).
• A completed Universal Title Application (Form OS/SS-UTA)
• A completed Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49)
• The name and address of any lien holder, if applicable (all lien holders in New Jersey must have a registered EIN).

After that, you will need to pay the title fee and registration fee. New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, checks, money orders, and of course cash.

Use of Motorcycles, ATVs, and Dirt Bikes in State Parks

New Jersey state law prohibits the operation of any ATVs or dirt bikes in any of the state’s parks or forests. However, motorcycles are permitted in select locations within Lebanon, Bass River, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in southern New Jersey.

Motorcycle Self-Inspection

You are not required to submit your motorcycle to official inspectors for inspection like you are with cars and other vehicles. However, you should keep in mind that it is your responsibility to ensure your motorcycle remains in good condition. Police officers can still write tickets for poorly maintained motorcycles with missing or inadequate equipment.