In Illinois the ruckus and other 49cc scooters are considered mopeds. I have moped plates.

same here in indiana. but most people just say it doesn't go over 30 and they get away without registering it. so you don't require a license or insurance to ride. so all the people with no license can ride them lol

What are "Moped Plates?" When I got Plates for mine, the Illinois DMV gave me Plates that look like Motorcycle Plates!

(In IL) Moped plates have blue letters/numbers, motorcycle plates have red letters/numbers. Other than that they look the same.

To everyone that said check your state laws, add one more.
Check your state laws.
Scooters are called mopeds until they go over 50cc in SC then they are called scooters. Scooters and motorcycles are treated the same in the eyes of the law and the state. MC tags and insurance and MC endorsement on your license. Mopeds require no special license unless you have no other license and are not required to carry insurance.

Now as to whether or not a cop will hassle you, that depends on the cop and the mood. Currently, if you look like Dr. Charles, you will get pulled over and charged with being "gang-like." (that was a joke but it comes from here: viewtopic.php?f=45&t=61839 )
And Yes, if you're going 60 on your Ruckus, you'll probably attract attention to yourself. Unwanted attention. You'll likely not see it again or not see it in the same shape you left it in when it got impounded. You could get lucky though.

Look at it this way too, if you can get it titled and registered as a motorcycle, they'll have to let you take the road test on it.

Nothing wrong with that. Take the safety course and get your "M" endorsement on your license. That way you can hit the road when your ready for an upgrade.

MOtor PEDals

Rucks don't have pedals

In my state (South Carolina) according to state law, a "moped" means a cycle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power or without pedals and with a motor of not more than 50 cubic centimeters, with not more than two brake horsepower and which can't go over 30 miles an hour on level ground. If an internal combustion engine is used, the moped must have a power drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.

So my Met is tagged as a "Moped". I've been pulled 3 times now for going over 30mph. Each time the officer agreed with me that going less than 30mph on the 2 lane highway I travel was far more dangerous than almost keeping up with traffic and let me go with a warning and the threat of a ticket should they pull me over again. With a top speed of 50mph I decided a "motorcycle" tag would resolve the issue.

I go to the DMV to get a motorcycle tag and register it as as a motorcycle and I'm told that since the title says 49cc, it can't be tagged as a motorcycle

You would think they would gladly take my Money for registration and tag? It's bureaucracy at its finest.

The way SC law is worded, that makes a bicycle a moped. 13 year old kids are required to have a moped license by this wording.

Yep, that sounds like Michigan. My Ruck is tagged as a "Moped", which means no plate, just a sticker you need to replace every 3 years for 15 bucks- no insurance, and no helmet needed if your over 16. I called the Secretary of State info center to see if I should get it plated as a motorcycle since it will go over 30, and they said I should. Then I asked if you could even GET a plate for a 49cc and the guy said "no, you can't do that. I mean, umm, well... uuhhhhh..."

I think everyone who works for the SOS is a little confused.

In Ca it's a Motor Driven Cycle. Therefore you need M endorsement, insurance, and register with the DMV. It took me a week after I got my Ruckus to figure out if I needed a M endorsement. I was convinced it was a scooter (just as Honda calls it on their website) and didn't need the endorsement until I saw the motor driven cycle next to the VIN.

my stock ruckus yes is scooter!

i have moped sticker on my back of my scooter in michigan only that shows on sticker has number and lettering also what state was has color for replace sticker every 3 years plus you dont need driver license or insurnce you are good to go! i drive over 30mph but tops speed at 40mph on my stock engine never pulled over for speeding LOL!

i told the dmv that i had bored it out to 58 cc and registered it as a motorcycle.

That is what I'm thinking the easiest way to tag it as a MC will be. I'm hoping to do a GY6 swap in Spring so I was planning on waiting and doing as you suggested, have the title changed to indicate a larger displacement and then the rest is gravy.

fuck wat the local law says it is, Honda says its a scooter, then its a damn scooter. when asked tho, i always say, "its a RUCKUS!"