Is it illegal to ride two people on a moped? Are the conditions for riding two people different on regular roads and expressways? | Motorcycle Law Q&A - Motopeek - Latest Motorcycle News, Reviews & Updates

[Q.] Is it a violation to ride two people on a Class 1 moped?

[A.] This corresponds to a violation of “riding over capacity.” There are also cases where violations are committed even for Class 2 or higher mopeds.

There are various conditions regarding riding two people on a motorcycle, as stipulated in the Road Traffic Act and the Road Transport Vehicle Act. For example, riding two people on a Class 1 moped (first-class motorized bicycle) is prohibited by law. This applies to engine vehicles with an engine displacement of 50cc or less, engine displacement of 125cc or less and a maximum output of 4.0kW (5.4ps) or less, and electric motorcycles with a rated output of 0.6kW or less.

2025_kawasaki_NinjaH2SX_SE_01 — Whether a motorcycle can carry two people or not is determined by factors such as engine displacement and equipment.

scooter_image — Two-seater riding is prohibited on 50cc scooters and other mopeds.

Conversely, it is generally possible to carry two people on a 51cc to 125cc Class 2 moped (Class 2 motorized bicycle), a 126cc to 250cc light motorcycle, or a small motorcycle of 251cc or more. However, if the following three pieces of equipment necessary for two-person riding are not provided, it is a violation even for a Class 2 moped or larger motorcycle.

[Motorcycle equipment required for two-seater riding]
– Tandem footpegs

– Tandem seat (or carrier)

– Handholds (also called tandem belts, grab bars, or tandem bars)

Bikes that do not have these features, such as the Honda Monkey 125, are 125cc Class 2 moped models, but please note that they are motorcycles for single riders only.

202406_honda_Monkey125_01 — Honda Monkey 125

Furthermore, riding tandem on a motorcycle that does not allow two people to ride is considered a violation of the “riding over capacity” rule, and the fines and penalty points are as follows:

[Penalty points and fines for riding over capacity]

Penalty points: 1 point

Penalty fee: 6,000 yen for motorcycles, 5,000 yen for mopeds

[Q.] Is there a limit to the number of years you need to hold a license before you can ride two people?

[A.] For general roads, more than one year; for expressways, more than 20 years old and more than three years old

Regarding riding two people on a motorcycle, there are legal restrictions not only regarding the type of motorcycle and equipment, but also the number of years since obtaining a motorcycle license, and these restrictions differ depending on whether you are riding on a regular road or a highway.

1. In the case of public roads

On public roads,

“More than one year has passed since you were first issued your regular motorcycle license (including your small-size limited regular motorcycle license) or large motorcycle license.”

It is necessary to do this.

By the way, if you first get a regular motorcycle license and then get a large motorcycle license, in this case, as long as more than one year has passed since you got your regular motorcycle license, you can ride two people on a large motorcycle even if you got your large motorcycle license less than one year ago.

bike_school_03 — Only riders who have held a license for at least one year can ride two people on public roads.

2. On expressways

Compared to ordinary roads, expressways (including expressways for motor vehicles only, same below) have stricter conditions in place to ensure safety, etc., as they have higher speed limits.

The main rules are as follows:

[Major rules for riding two people on expressways] 1.

Motorcycles over 125cc equipped to carry two people

2. The driver must be 20 years of age or older

3. At least three years have passed since obtaining a standard motorcycle license or large motorcycle license

Point 1 is a given, as motorcycles that can be ridden on expressways must have an engine displacement of over 125cc. Also, the equipment required for two-seater riding is whether or not the vehicle has the previously mentioned tandem step, tandem seat, grab bar, etc. Point 2 is that there is an age limit of 20 years or older for two-seater riding on expressways. Point 3 also requires that at least three years have passed since obtaining a standard motorcycle license or a large motorcycle license.

For example, if you have had a large motorcycle license for less than three years, but have had a regular motorcycle license for more than three years, in this case, riding two people on a large motorcycle on a highway is not considered a violation, so you can ride tandem without any hesitation.

Violating these rules will be considered a violation of the Large Motorcycle and Other Vehicles Act, and the penalty points and fines will be as follows:

[Large Motorcycle and Other Vehicles Act Violation Penalty Points and Fines]

Penalty points: 2 points

Fine: 12,000 yen

highway_001 — Only riders over 20 years old who have held a driver’s license for at least three years can ride two people on the expressway.

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Regarding riding two people on a motorcycle, there are other detailed rules such as areas where two people are not allowed to ride, and points that beginners should be aware of. For more details, please refer to the article linked below.