Motorcycles

A motorcycle is any vehicle (including motor bikes, bicycles and tricycles) with attached motors.

All certified motorcycles must be titled and registered in New Jersey and meet the minimum safety standards* as outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

To title or register your motorcycle, visit an MVC Agency with proof of insurance, title and registration fee payment and one of the following:

• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MSO or MCO)
• New Jersey or out-of-state title
• Registration and a notarized bill-of-sale from the previous owner with vehicle description and sale price (motorcycles from non-titled states only)

If the manufacturer does not appear on the approved list, you must also provide:

• A color photo of the NHTSA label
• A color photo of the EPA Noise Emissions label**
• A color photo of the EPA Exhaust Emissions label**
• A color photo of the side of the motorcycle
• Proof of insurance and pay the title and registration fee

If your motorcycle manufacturer is not included on the approved list [pdf], the dealer must contact MVC to apply for approval to license and register motorcycles in New Jersey .

If your motorcycle doesn't meet the minimum federal safety standards, you must contact the dealer or manufacturer.

NOTE: Dirt bikes can only be used on private property and cannot be titled or registered. Insurance is optional.

If you don't have an MCO or if the motorcycle has never been titled, you must complete the Application for Motorcycle or Moped Title

To operate your motorcycle, you must have:

• A valid motorcycle license
• Approved non-reflective helmet with four inches of reflective tape on each side
• Approved goggles or face shield if motorcycle is not equipped with an approved wind screen
• Approved protective helmets for all passengers

Motorcycle inspection
Following initial inspection, available year-round, motorcycles are now due for inspection from April through October. Motorcycles under 50CCs are not subject to inspection.

To pass inspection, you must have:

• License plates with current decal and current registration
• Proof of insurance
• Valid motorcycle driver license
• Steering, suspension, and wheel alignment
• Handlebar grips that are not higher than your shoulders when you are seated on the motorcycle in normal driving position
• Horn
• Red rear light and reflector
• Stop light
• Head light
• Rear view mirror
• Exhaust system
• Tires
• Seat, hand holds, and foot rests
• Adequate brakes (all motorcycles made after 1974 require brakes on front and rear wheels.)

Use of motorcycles in state parks
ATV's and off-road (unregistered) motorcycles are prohibited in all New Jersey state parks and forests. There are no exceptions.

There are some parts of Lebanon, Bass River, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in South Jersey where you may be able to operate a motorcycle.

Call the Division of Parks and Forestry at (800) 843-6420 in advance for more information.