Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Revenue

Motorcycles

Rhode Island requires a special license to operate a motorcycle and the completion of a motorcycle safety course provided by the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). For more information please call (401) 825-1214.

Forms and Fees

  • Bring the CCRI motorcycle safety certificate and a valid RI license to any DMV branch location.
  • Refer to the third page of the License/ID/Permit Application for a list of documents needed to perform this transaction.

Things to Know

  • Upon completion of the necessary CCRI motorcycle safety course, a motorcycle “M” endorsement can be added to your valid RI license at any RI DMV branch. Motorcycle permits are no longer issued. 
  • If you already hold a motorcycle endorsement in another state and are applying for your Rhode Island license, your motorcycle endorsement will transfer to the Rhode Island license. Be sure to highlight your out of state endorsement when applying for a new Rhode Island Driver’s License.

 

Endorsement and Restriction Information:

  • An “M” endorsement without restrictions enables the licensee to operate both 2 or 3 wheel motorcycles.
  • An “M” endorsement with a “Q” restriction enables the licensee to operate 2-wheel motorcycles only.
  • An “M” endorsement with a “W” restriction enables the licensee to operate a 3-wheel motorcycle only.
  • Scooters, Autocycles, and Mopeds, as defined in RIGL do not require special licensure to operate.

Special Note – RIGL 31-10.1-1 and 31-10.1-1.1

  • Beginning on 3/1/2022, all CCRI Courses and Certificates will be 2-wheel or 3-wheel specific. Unless two certificates are presented and you have passed both courses, a restriction (“Q” for operation of 2-wheel motorcycles or “W” for the operation of 3-wheel motorcycles) will be placed on your permit and license.
  • If you received your “M” endorsement prior to 3/1/2022, you are permitted to operate both 2-wheel and 3-wheel motorcycles.
  • If you are moving in from out of state and have an unrestricted motorcycle endorsement, you will receive an “M” endorsement on your Rhode Island Driver’s license and will be permitted to operate both 2-wheel and 3-wheel motorcycles.

Definitions of Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, Mopeds, Motorized Bicycles, Motorized Tricycles and Autocycles.

  • (l) ‘“Motorcycle” [including Antique Motorcycle] means only those motor vehicles having not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle on which the driver sits astride, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in subsection (n) of [section 31.1.3].” These vehicles are classified and registered as Motorcycles. A motorcycle endorsement on a driver’s license is required to operate this classification of vehicle.
  • (n) ‘“Motorized bicycles’ means two-wheel (2) vehicles that may be propelled by human power or helper power, or by both, with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, that are capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.” These vehicles are classified and registered as Mopeds. A motorcycle endorsement is not required to operate this class of vehicle.
  • (p) ‘“Motorized tricycles’ means tricycles that may be propelled by human power or helper motor, or by both, with a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.” These vehicles are classified and registered as Mopeds. A motorcycle endorsement is not required to operate this class of vehicle.
  • (r) ‘“Motor scooter’ means a motor-driven cycle with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.” These vehicles are classified and registered as Motor Scooters. A motorcycle endorsement is not required to operate this class of vehicle.
  • § 31-1-3.1. “Autocycles. (a) "Autocycle" means only those motor vehicles that: (1) Do not have more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground; (2) Are designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and foot pedals for acceleration, braking, or shifting; (3) Are equipped with seating that does not require occupants to straddle or sit astride the seating; and (4) Are manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.(b) Except as otherwise provided in this title, an "autocycle" shall be considered to be a "motorcycle" as defined in § 31-1-3(l).” These vehicles are classified and registered as Motorcycles, however, Motorcycle endorsements are not required to operate this classification of vehicle.
  • Please Note: Electric Bicycles are not required to be registered in Rhode Island. The DMV does not register these vehicles.

Out of State Travel: DMV statement regarding motorcycle endorsement, for use when traveling out of state.