It was the same down here until more people started riding 50cc's. The Chief of Police here is the one that told me no Lisc but you need a tag.
Now they all know the laws, and are begging to enforce them. It's like that other thread where a few bad apples ruin a good thing for everyone.
Quick story... I was riding one of my NC 50's, I used an "O" ring on the throttle for a cruise control. I was drinking one of those iced coffee/energy drinks, and talking on the cell. (24MPH tops but no hands for miles) and a sheriff pulled up behind me. No tags/lights/anything... He asked if the local cops bothered me for this, and I said "No. I usually run from them." He looked twice, and laughed. That was 4-5 years ago. Today they taZe you, and impound the bike.