Beginning Summer 2011, NJ will have tiered licenses for motorcycle riders. You will have the option to go for a restricted license limiting you to 500cc and under or an unrestricted license which will allow you to ride anything on two wheels. Those that already have a motorcycle license will be grandfathered in to the unrestricted tier. **NJ Rent A Scooter will be implementing a new program in order to aid those that wish to acquire the unrestricted license.**
"The amended bill would enact several new motorcycle safety provisions. The bill would create a restriction on the size of a motorcycle a person is licensed to operate to better prevent new motorcycle drivers from operating motorcycles with engine sizes too powerful for that driver’s skill level. Specifically, the bill provides that a person issued a motorcycle license or endorsement who shall have taken the road test on a motorcycle or motor scooter with an engine displacement of less than 231 cubic centimeters shall be restricted to operating motorcycles with engine displacement of 500 cubic centimeters or less. This restriction would not apply, however, to a person who takes the test on a bike with engine displacement of 232 cubic centimeters or higher.
The bill also creates a new category of low-speed motorcycles to address the increased use of small motorcycles. The bill prohibits low-speed motorcycles from being operated upon limited-access interstate highways or public roads or highways with posted speed limits in excess of 35 miles per hour in this State."
Words of wisdom:
It’s important to remember that just because you have that endorsement on your license; it does NOT mean that you are ready to just go ride anywhere at any time. You’ve still got to exercise personal responsibility, think about your experience and the skills that you have. THAT’S WHAT WILL TELL YOU WHERE AND WHEN YOU CAN RIDE.