Mini motorcycles putt through regulation loopholes.

• Position: Trends And Transitions - Brief Article

If you live in the suburbs, chances are pretty good that you've seen--and heard--neighborhood kids racing around on mini motorcycles or pocket bikes. They look like motorcycles, but are only a fraction of the size. And they are fast and loud and dangerous. Many states have tried to figure out how these vehicles should be defined and whether or not new laws are needed to regulate them.

Several state attorneys general are saying that existing laws are enough to keep them off he roads. They reason that since pocket bikes and mini motorcycles technically qualify as motor vehicles, they are subject to the same licensing, registration and insurance regulations. Since the devices do not meet federal safety standards for on-road vehicles, such as lights, signals, reflectors and mirrors, however, they can't be registered or licensed as a motor vehicle and can't be operated on streets or sidewalks.

Motorized...