new tickets on my xb700

Hey if anyone can shed some light on NJ laws concerning the Electric/E-bike Laws I would greatly appreciate it----I got stopped in August of 2010 and was issued a ticket for no registration---brought my paperwork and the Judge dismissed it---got stopped again by the same cop and he issued me 3 tickets--no reg--no ins--no DL---what are my options now?? and maybe I come under the mobility law--as I have been disabled since 1994---Can anyone help me or refer me to a loophole in NJ concerning the operation of an Electric Bike/E-bike??? The cop told me I am not allowed to operate on any public roadway only on private property......what do I do now????

before comments

Comments

I agree with you on whaT you said except for what you think I think..

I know and believe that bicycles should use the road..
That's not the point.
I personally have an electric bike that I use 100% of the time for my transportation.
NOW, that is...
I live in Florda where it IS legal to use WITHOUT a DL...
Now I speak from experience, when I say, if you have a bike that does not conform to what a normal bicycle usually looks like, you WILL get more attention paid to you.
I get pulled over at least twice a month by local officers.
However, I am FULLY compliant with FL law statutes when it comes to my bicycle..
If I didn't spend the extra money ($300) to limit the speed id not be compliant.

I agree with you on whaT you said except for what you think I think..

I know and believe that bicycles should use the road..
That's not the point.
I personally have an electric bike that I use 100% of the time for my transportation.
NOW, that is...
I live in Florda where it IS legal to use WITHOUT a DL...
Now I speak from experience, when I say, if you have a bike that does not conform to what a normal bicycle usually looks like, you WILL get more attention paid to you.
I get pulled over at least twice a month by local officers.
However, I am FULLY compliant with FL law statutes when it comes to my bicycle..
If I didn't spend the extra money ($300) to limit the speed id not be compliant.

Hello Sangesf. - (I am NOT here to pick a fight with you !)- But, i also live in FL. I have the moped (electric bicycle) laws right in front of me. - it says: "Moped drivers need to have at least a Class E driver's license, and be 16 or older to drive a moped on a public road. A motorcycle endorsement isn't required." - And, the moped (electric bicycle) definition is as follows: "State legislators define a moped as a vehicle fitting all of the following criteria:
• Pedals that allow you to propel the vehicle
• A seat for the rider
• Three or fewer wheels
• Motor of two-brake horsepower or less
• Maximum speed of 30 mph on level ground
• Automatic power-drive system
• Displacement of 50 cc or less (for those with an internal combustion engine)"

An electric bicycle is NOT differentiated from a 'moped' in FL. -

Now. --- Please. - If you have a legal definition taken from the FL law that differentiates an
electric bicycle from a 'moped', PLEASE tell me what it is and where it is.

In addition: that 'device' has to be 'registered' (by law). - It must carry a 'plate' that shows
it has been registered.

Thank you. (seriously) - I'm not trying to be a smart xss.

It's the bicycle definition statute Title XXIII, Chapter 316.003 part (2)

As follows...

(2)  BICYCLE.—Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.

The difference between the two legalities is the mph and/or gas.

Bicycle = regular or electric up to 20mph
Moped = gas or electric 20mph-30mph (WITH pedals and chain attached.)
Scooter = moped but NO pedals.
Motorcycle = any vehicle over 30mph. Pedals or no.

Sir sangesf ! - THANK YOU ! ! ! - I GREATLY appreciate your input here.
I won't go into the complexity of it, but you have been of tremendous
help to me. - I thank you. -

To me, one of the more important aspects of the law you presented to me
has to do with the seat height. - Specifically, the seat height from the
ground HAS to more than 25 inches. - (Quite important.) -

I.E., a BICYCLE ! - This relates to what you were mentioning before,
that such a bicycle 'look alike' draws much less attention than a
scooter type (size) (low seat) device. - Quite true, i believe.

No doubt, the speed limit is also a VERY important aspect. -
Recognized. -

I repeat. - Thank you. - I have learned something quite important.

Bicycle = regular or electric up to 20mph
Moped = gas or electric 20mph-30mph (WITH pedals and chain attached.)
Scooter = moped but NO pedals.
Motorcycle = any vehicle over 30mph. Pedals or no.
this is exactly what I'm talking about----it is considered a bike because it can't go above 20mph---that is the loophole I think ---the guy at MVC said if it has a motor of 750watts or less---and can only go 20mph or less and has pedals it is a bike---and is considered such under NJ state MVC laws and is exempt ---he stressed the word exempt from DL-Reg-and ins. why would the guy tell me to take the H. R. 727 to court with me??? that's all I'm saying is that it is supposedly considered a electric bicycle or bicycle---not a motorized bike --not a moped--and not a scooter----doesn't that make sense??---he even told me give them his number if they need to clarify---he wouldn't give me that in writing as he said the law concerning 'electric bicycles' is clear enough that the Judge would dismiss----so I guess I gotta sweat it until court day and I just wanted to dig up all that I could to aid in my defense---thanks all--all your help is greatly appreciated-----JG

What happens if you get stopped again? You would figure the cop would get tired of going to court?

It looks as if you and I have same state problems with the laws. MA and NJ used to be the same for insurance problems. I tried to license my scooter and when they drove it, it couldn't get out of its own way. Extreme scooters say it is a DOT vehicle but doesn't meet MA DOT specifications. I get stopped a fair amount but I am lucky there is a scooter toy store in this town with apparently some sort of clout. Usually the cruiser follows me for about 10 seconds to make sure I am off to the far right and going slow or too slow for traffic then speeds off and makes a u turn some place and disappears. I'll just do what you are doing get a court appointed lawyer and fight it if I get stopped and ticketed. I have full instruments to say it is 500 watts volts and ampere meters and charge amps like they care. It is winter out here in Taxachusetts and haven't been stopped yet even though there is snow on the ground. Go figure!!! When I used a Palmer mobility scooter the cops said I had to get a six sided orange thingy like what is on tractors and I did. Then they said get a 5 foot pole with a flag on it and I did. I come to a conclusion cops don't know too much about vehicle laws. The only time I am over 50 cc is when I get milk, 1000 cc? LOL you know one liter. one quart. Go Electrics!!!!
rg

KB1UKU

Jerseygirl, you have to understand that I stated FLORIDA laws.
Has NOTHING to do with NJ laws... That's what you're not getting.

FORGET HR 727 has nothing to do with state's laws concerning vehicles on their own roads.
You SHOULD look into seeing if there is a local ordinance about bicycles or scooters or mopeds.

You said you went to court a first time, but didn't give specifics.. You only said that it went ok..

What was the first original ticket for and what paperwork did you bring to "win" the case.
THAT may be helpful too you.

If you give specifics about that, then we might be able to help.

However, with current NJ law, any electric powered bicycle is considered a moped.
Get your license renewed and half of your problems go away.

Sir sangesf ! - THANK YOU ! ! ! - I GREATLY appreciate your input here.
I won't go into the complexity of it, but you have been of tremendous
help to me. - I thank you. -

To me, one of the more important aspects of the law you presented to me
has to do with the seat height. - Specifically, the seat height from the
ground HAS to more than 25 inches. - (Quite important.) -

I.E., a BICYCLE ! - This relates to what you were mentioning before,
that such a bicycle 'look alike' draws much less attention than a
scooter type (size) (low seat) device. - Quite true, i believe.

No doubt, the speed limit is also a VERY important aspect. -
Recognized. -

I repeat. - Thank you. - I have learned something quite important.

Realize that COUNTY then LOCAL town laws CAN, and WILL supersede Florida state laws..
You will need to make sure you are compliant with every law available.
What County and Town do you live in?
Certain counties and certain towns have stricter rules, some have more lax rules.
The devil is in the details.

Sir sangesf. - Appreciate your County and Local heads up. - (That may
apply.) - I will check into that. I'm in Sarasota (city) in Sarasota
(County). - (Do not expect you to do my checking for me.) - I DID
try to look into the laws, but i missed what you referred to. -

"The devil is in the details." -

The manufacturers DO play games with these laws. - My seat is 25
inches (plus a tad) from the ground. So (i guess) it qualifies
as a bicycle even though it 'looks' very much like a motorized
scooter or moped. The speed is 20 mph, max.

I don't want to mess up the thread for jerseygirl. I apologize.

This site and its participants are really a treasure.

The original ticket was for no registration and was dismissed when I brought with me to court a copy of my spec's and a copy of the H.R. 727 law and the S.R. 1156 and the P.L.107-319--the Judge dismissed it without blinking an eye---I even asked him should you give me something to carry so this doesn't keep happening?? He said 'no - you're fine' ----now doesn't that beat all hell --I'm given a carte blanche to ride the thing then this officer busts my chops with another no reg---plus the no ins and no DL----I'm sorry but that sucks---they really need to change these laws and if anyone knows who I should write to give me a clue----this state sucks sometimes!!!!

My seat height is 37 3/4" to 45 3/4 ---so I guess I'm covered there too......?

awwwww.....

This site and its participants are really a treasure.

[/quote]

And I know there is no ordinance prohibiting or banning Electric Bicycles in my town...

What kind of bicycle do you have that you're having problems with.

XB 700 LI

According to a source of mine the loophole is the speed ----to be a motorized bicycle it may go up to 25mph ---to be a electric bicycle it can not go above 20mph....I was told that is the loophole------any comments or info on that one????

Actually I was asking the other poster..

For your part... Forget HR727 it won't hold up in court for not needing a DL.
You got lucky the first time.
Trust me on this, the DA WILL try to screw you. Any money they make you pay, is all profit for the state.
I HOPE your lucky again... In your case, I would make sure your lawyer shows the court the first case against you an use that as a reason that you were unaware that you needed a DL since your case was dismissed the first time.

good day

I've been watching this for some time

I can understand why some one would not want to use anything
other than a E-bike to get around

I use a GIO 500w Electric scooter even in winter way past
what they say for temp

I've only had 1 cop pull me over thinking it was a motor bike or moped

he had put his lights on and since no cars were near by I pulled over when I past his car

since I bike dose not make the sound the stinker things make
he should have grabbed a clue but apparently did not

the silly question was asked
and I said it was a bike

he sill wanted id so I gave him my medical card and he did the thing they do
came back to me with with no apology

but now since there are quite a few around in my city in Canada
no cop gives them a second thought

for me it's my way of getting around far cheaper than bus service
and far more convent even on the coldest days in winter

my suggestion is for "Jerseygirl" to back to the Judge and get a letter
and carry it with her at all times and anther thought would be
to get the cop to come to court and talk with the judge

just to put the point across

You have to understand that EVERY state has its own rules.
Every COUNTY has its own rules.
Every TOWN has its own rules.

You can NOT make a blanket statement about any law in any town, county, state, country.
That's the politics of it.
Trust me when I tell you, if the "state" has a way to make money off of you they will.

Of course I will argue the other tickets based on the recent dismissal of the first 'no registration ticket'---but hoping that this guy from MVC is dead on about not needing a DL, registration or insurance based on the fact that it is an 'Electric bicycle' and not a 'Motorized bicycle' not a 'moped' and not a 'scooter'---hopefully this is what this guy is talking about---I'm going to call him again in the next day or two and see if he can at least send me something in the mail or email stating the clarification of the NJ definition of "Motorized Bicycle" and "Electric Bicycle" ---I'm pretty sure that's what the guy said about being exempt---he said if it goes 20mph or less--under 750 watts and has pedals--it is a bicycle and that's what it is considered exempt of needing a DL - registration - or insurance----it's pretty pathetic when you can't get a clear understanding of the laws and that a MVC official is telling me that I don't need these things to operate the bike---and that all regular "Bicycle Laws" apply to me?? I just hope I don't get railroaded---maybe I should call some "News Station" that might be interested in this story---anybody know of or have any connections to the media??? LOL....I really didn't think I was breaking any law and don't want to have this on my record either as the fines are enough to make me throw up---I mean 500.00 for the "operate under the suspended" and another 500.00 for "no insurance" and at least 150.00 for the "no registration" plus the court costs--vest cost--some other officer related fund --it's never ending in the great state I call home....ugh

sangesf ---if the H.R. 727 doesn't hold water why would the classification/specialist from the MVC tell me to bring it with me to court? And he said that based on H.R. 727 the Judge would and should Dismiss all three tickets??

Unfortunately the prosecutor will "object" when and if you bring something from the DMV and will call it "heresay".
Your lawyer should tell you to get a few subpoenas for the DMV worker, his boss, the head of the DMV and the State's attorney, so you can validate their fidings..

Here is what happened JUST TODAY here in Florida when someone went to court after he got stopped for riding a gas powered bike, one town away from a town where a gas powered bike is considered a bicycle. (I know it's not quite the same, but it really is, I'm terms of how court usually goes.)

I showed him the paper from the DMV and the state's attorney objected to it saying "it's hearsay" and the judge agreed and refused to admit it. I argued how can it be hearsay, it's from an official DMV site, the address is on the top of the page if your honor would like to look at it for himself, he replied, " that's just someone's opinion from the DMV, I will be the one to determine what law applies here"[\quote]

artistgloria's picture

Wouldn't the easiest thing be to get a copy of the court records, testimony, judges ruling, transcripts, etc., from your first hearing and take that along with you to this hearing. It would clearly state what the court said and you should be fine, no?

Go Forward Confidently! Dare to live the Life you Imagined!

Wouldn't the easiest thing be to get a copy of the court records, testimony, judges ruling, transcripts, etc., from your first hearing and take that along with you to this hearing. It would clearly state what the court said and you should be fine, no?

Hey, I know instead of that...
Bring documents from last court date.

Unfortunately the prosecutor will "object" when and if you bring something from the DMV and will call it "heresay". Your lawyer should tell you to get a few subpoenas for the DMV worker, his boss, the head of the DMV and the State's attorney, so you can validate their fidings..

Here is what happened JUST TODAY here in Florida when someone went to court after he got stopped for riding a gas powered bike, one town away from a town where a gas powered bike is considered a bicycle. (I know it's not quite the same, but it really is, I'm terms of how court usually goes.)

I showed him the paper from the DMV and the state's attorney objected to it saying "it's hearsay" and the judge agreed and refused to admit it. I argued how can it be hearsay, it's from an official DMV site, the address is on the top of the page if your honor would like to look at it for himself, he replied, " that's just someone's opinion from the DMV, I will be the one to determine what law applies here"

Heresy is an often misunderstood term. It really refers to the witness expressing the opinions of a third person. (ie; Sally told me that she saw Bill in town that night) This may be allowed to establish what sally said, but not that she saw Bill or that Bill was in town. In the case of a conversation with the DMV, the state attorney would not object on the grounds of heresy, but credibility. (why the defendant didn't call the DMV official to give evidence). In the case of DMV documents, these can be tendered for the Judges consideration, it becomes the obligation of the state to call a DMV witness to refute the authenticity of the doc's.

The Judge is quite right, in matters of law, he is the arbiter, not a DMV official. However, if you can establish that you were misled by the DMV, then it would be difficult for the Prosecutor to argue mens rea, (intent).

Judges can interpret the law, but no judge can create legislation! A Judge can only strike down laws on constitutional grounds. (state or federal).

In jurisdictions between towns, the classification of the road is very important. All States and the Federal government have laws preventing towns imposing local restrictions, by-laws, or jurisdiction over some roads. (usually highways) .

marcopolo

Wouldn't the easiest thing be to get a copy of the court records, testimony, judges ruling, transcripts, etc., from your first hearing and take that along with you to this hearing. It would clearly state what the court said and you should be fine, no?

Unfortunately I have nothing but the old ticket--which the Judge dismissed---I guess my public pretender--defender could ask for the transcript--where in fact I asked the Judge "do I need to carry anything with me so that this doesn't keep happening?" and he said "no -you're fine" case dismissed----I put in a call to the classification specialist that I spoke with from MVC---so hopefully he will return my call and give me something in writing from the MVC and clear this mess up---the fines are astronomical and not only that it is a smear against my license which is only suspended for non-payment of surcharges----I'm starting to sweat this crap as I don't want to end up in Jail or in the poorhouse worse than I already am---lol

artistgloria's picture

Court records are kept. You should have no problem getting the transcripts.

Call the courthouse yourself and pay the small fee to get these printed and sent to you.

This should be an easy solution.

And, as another poster wrote, it may be easiest to just get your driver's license reinstated. What would that

cost? $40? It certainly would help to decrease the potential for other tickets and calm the chaos that appears

to be happening with this. Any fines you speak of would surely be offset by getting a DL, no? It would

probably look better to the judge if you had a DL, too.

Perhaps an electric golfcart would be better than this vehicle? You could take your son places and get to the

store when needed.

Go Forward Confidently! Dare to live the Life you Imagined!

Well the reinstatement of my license is way more than 40.00---that I could afford---but they want 187.00 a month---that's my electric bill--LOL---I just can't afford that kind of money being a single mother on SSI disability--it clearly states on my abstract that I am suspended due to non-payment of surcharges----doesn't make sense to me to give them 187.00 and take food out of my kid's mouth for a license that I have no use for---I really don't want to drive and I can't afford a car or the high insurance rates--the most I would use it for would be to visit my family---but they all come to visit me b/c I live at the shore and everybody takes turns coming to visit us in the spring-summer-and fall...I just refuse to pay these surcharges for something I really have no use for---which is driving a car---hopefully the MVC guy will call me back by tomorrow --if not, I'm gonna call him again by 1pm...I gotta get something in writing saying what he said that I'm exempt from having to possess a DL--reg--or ins--for an "Electric Bicycle" not a moped--or a motorized bicycle (which clearly states a max speed of 25mph) or a scooter---that is the loophole----I mean why would a specialist for the MVC state to me that I am exempt----still the "public pretender" has yet to contact me after I sent him an email and left a message at his office?? I still have not received a court date either....we shall have to wait and see but the suspense is killing me --I'm very glad however that it is freezing and snow is on the ground or I would be mad as hell if it was nice weather and I couldn't ride the thing....so I guess it's better to have happened now instead of in the summertime!!!

oh and an electric golf car is a LSV--low speed vehicle--subject to DL--Registration--and Insurance --the latter two I wanted to avoid the $$ thing at all costs--no pun intended---LOL

for some odd reason the top bar is gone from --my blog- log in --log out --i can't log out---so when I go to this site I am automatically still logged in-- can anyone tell me how to fix this---it's like something disappeared from that top bar and the little bar that says my blog my messages is all gone---help ?????

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