Question for Indiana Members

[Slvrvalk1]

My daughter is a resident of California, but she goes to college in Indiana.  Her boyfriend just informed us that as a surprise he has bought her a Vespa for her birthday.  The Vespa is in Indiana and will be used in Indiana.  I do not think that I can get a California registration without taking the vehicle to a DMV location in California.

I looked at the Indiana Bureau of Motor vehicles web site, but I did not find anything about motor scooters. 

Here are the questions:
1.  Is a motor scooter handled the same as a motorcycle in Indiana?
2.  Do you know if there might be any way for her to register the motor scooter without becoming an Indiana resident?
3.  Do you have any suggestions about how to handle this?

We have relatives in Indiana, so as a last resort, I probably could have one of them register the Vespa in their name.

We really like her boyfriend, so we are not upset.  He probably just did not think this through.  My daughter has a motorcycle endorsement on her California driver's license.

Thanks for any help that you can provide.  My daughter has ridden on the back of my Valk, so this is now Valk related.

Dave

[solo1]

I tried looking up Indiana code for this situation.  I have a copy .

The only vehicle not classifed as a motor vehicle is a two wheel vehicle powered by a 50cc engine or less with no more than two horsepower and capable of not exceeding 25 mph.  These need no license.  Lots of them running around on the street here for different reasons.

The Vespa, I'm sure, has a much bigger engine and higher speed.  This makes it a motor vehicle and is , I'm sure, classifed as a motorcycle.  It is subjected to all Indiana laws on licensing, plate fees, and operator requirements.

Call an Indiana license branch to find full information on title and plates by a non resident or find the Official  Indiana BMV site online and send an email for info.

I hope this helps.

[Slvrvalk1]

I just got more information.  The bike is not a Vespa, but a 1987 Motobecane, and it has a 49 cc engine, so it should not be a problem according to Solo1.

Thanks for the information Solo1.  You may not remember this, but we met at the InZane in Johnson City, TN a few years ago.  I am from Indiana originally.

Thanks.

Dave

[solo1]

It sounds like her boyfriend made a wise choice.  Should be just right for running around the campus.
I can't put a face on the name but that's old age.  That's my excuse and I'm stickin' to it.

[fudgie]

Here your ok if its under 49cc, 50 cc you need a lic, at least thats what the city cops told me. Something you also might do is get insurance on it. I'd hate for her to accidently hit a car and pay out of pocket for the damage to the vehicle. They are trying to get this done in my town. Its a good idea tho. I'd be pissed if a DUImobile hit my truck at a intersection and he had no insurance and I had to pay for the damage.