Modern Vespa

Hello,

I just purchased a 2009 MP3 and I'm confused about the smog requirement. The previous owner didn't have one but when trying to register it online, it says one is now required for title transfers.

The DMV site has very poor wording. The USA really needs a Plain English Society to independently vet scripts for ambiguity. I have emboldened the ambiguous bit. They really meant that ALL motorcycles and trailers do NOT have to have a SMOG test, not that motorcycles and trailers have to be 1975 or older to qualify for exemption.

Why do they allow school kids to write web-sites.

Awesome. Yeah what's funny is when you try to transfer it it won't let you without it. So I went to DMV today, 20 minutes and I got my new tags.

There is some ambiguity in California law about whether an MP3 is a motorcycle or a car. According to the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) it is a motorcycle. But it is apparently possible to ride an MP3 in CA with just a car license.

I got pulled over one time for lane-splitting on the freeway. After a short discussion about how the MP3 is different from, say, a Can-Am Spyder, and a quick look at the DOT plaque on the leg shield which clearly says "Type: motorcycle", we happily parted ways.

Unfortunately, the California lane-splitting law does specify two-wheeled vehicles.

It's odd that it doesn't require an M1 but I'm not complaining. You're right about the designation though, it says motorcycle right on the registration.

I already payed my MSC fee for May although I no longer require it. Will do it anyway.

The MP3 attracts attention, so I have had car drivers (this is California) scream at me at an intersection "Do you need a motorcycle license?" to which I answer "It does ride like a motorcycle, so you better get one, I have one".

As far as I know, smog checks aren't yet necessary for motorcycles in California. The manufacturer has to pass the CA rules, and then in theory you're not supposed to touch any emission parts on the bike (chip, mapping, injection, exhaust). Never heard of anyone getting challenged for upgrading their exhaust system unless it gets stupid loud - noise they can get you for.