Moped regulation bill refiled

Mopeds would need to be registered and drivers would need to carry insurance under a bill filed Thursday.

Posted 5:49 p.m. Jan 31, 2013 — Updated 5:49 p.m. Jan 31, 2013

Mark Binker

RALEIGH, N.C. — Mopeds would need to be registered and their owners would need to carry insurance similar to motorcycles under a bill filed in the state House Thursday.

The measure is similar to ones filed in prior sessions of the General Assembly. Those bills hit stiff opposition and ultimately died.

"I've been inundated with people who complain about them being on the highway and not having any coverage," said Rep. Phillip Shepard, R-Onslow, said Thursday.

Shepard said his bill would make sure that people who were injured by mopeds were protected, much as someone injured by a insured automobile driver would be.

Opposition to prior versions of the bill have centered on the fact that mopeds are affordable transportation and that carrying insurance will increase their operating costs. As well, mopeds are the only options for some drivers who have been convicted of drunk driving crimes.

"This is not meant to hurt anyone," Shepard said, adding that the bill or a future piece of legislation may need to deal with those affordability issues.

Shepard said he expected to see a companion bill filed in the Senate.

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