Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

You can call the Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division at (404) 968-3800 if you have questions about the definitions of two-wheeled vehicles and whether you need to register and insure yours.

• Motorcycle―Your two-wheeled vehicle is a motorcycle and you must register and insure it if:

• It was manufactured for legal highway use.

• It can exceed 30 mph.

• It has an engine of 50 cc or more.

• It has more than two horsepower.

• Moped/Scooter―In this state, mopeds and scooters aren’t always as clear cut. If your moped or scooter:

• Meets the above motorcycle criteria―but is clearly not a motorcycle―you must register and insure it if you plan to operate it on state roads.

• Doesn’t meet the above motorcycle criteria, you don’t have to register or insure it―unless you plan to operate it on state roads.*

*Please contact the DOR to find out whether your moped or scooter is allowed on state roads.

Top Georgia Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

Purchasing liability insurance is probably the most common way to meet the state’s financial responsibility requirements. If you choose this route, make sure your insurance policy includes at least:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury

• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to two or more people

• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Please note that your insurance carrier will know the exact amount of coverage you must have for your motorcycle―it might end up being more or less than listed above. You might also want to browse the additional types of coverage available with insurance policies to make sure you’re fully protected.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Whether you’re operating the motorcycle or you’re just a passenger, you must wear a helmet. How much liability coverage you purchase or self-insurance you provide doesn’t affect this law.

Electronic Reporting

Your insurance carrier must electronically submit information about your insurance policy to a statewide database. This helps the state know you’re meeting the financial responsibility requirements, and you can even keep up with your insurance status online.

Top Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

Having proof of insurance with you at all times safeguards you in the event the MVD hasn’t yet received a record of your coverage or a law enforcement officer pulls you over.

Insurance Card

The state requires insurance carriers to issue policyholders these cards. If you purchased a traditional insurance policy, this card won’t act as a sufficient proof of insurance; however, you still must keep it with you at all times.

Insurance Binder

If this is your first time purchasing insurance for your motorcycle, your carrier will issue you an insurance binder. This binder acts as proof of insurance for 30 days― the time period during which the MVD is awaiting an electronic record of your coverage.

Bill of Sale/Declaration Page

Together, the bill of sale and insurance declaration page act as proof of insurance if you’ve just purchased the motorcycle and are waiting for the MVD to receive an electronic record of your coverage.

Self-Insured Information

If you have the option of self-insuring your motorcycle, the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner will issue you a self-insured insurance information card and a certificate of self-insurance. Keep these documents with you at all times.

Top Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Depending on the offense number, you could face some pretty stiff penalties if the MVD catches you with no proof of insurance, such as:

• Up to six months of registration suspension.

• A $25 lapse fee and a registration reinstatement fee of up to $160.

• Misdemeanor charges if you operate your motorcycle before paying your fees and reinstating your registration.

If you think you’re exempt from maintaining financial responsibility, check out what the MVD has to say. If you have additional questions, or need more information about your specific fees and registration reinstatement process, contact the MVD at (404) 968-3800.