Moped regulation bill refiled

By Mark Binker

Posted: January 31

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.

10 Comments

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"BICYCLES are more of a problem on the streets than mopeds. does that mean we need a new law? NOPE"

Actually, the problems on the road are caused by impatient drivers who feel that their PRIVILEGE of having a license to drive empowers them to be king of the road and drive as quickly as possible with no regard to the RIGHT of a bicycle to occupy their own road space.

Come On_Seriously
February 1, 2013 11:59 a.m.

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Are we going to make bicycle riders carry insurance and register? What about people riding horses, golf carts, lawnmower and unicycles, roller skates, skateboards and the list goes on...???

BICYCLES are more of a problem on the streets than mopeds. does that mean we need a new law? NOPE

djofraleigh
January 31, 2013 3:21 p.m.

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DWI offenders can ride bike and mopeds on the road, but not drunk. The police have become lack in keep the 50cc/30mph max rule enforced. Before passing a new law, why don't we start enforcing the current laws on mopeds first?

djofraleigh
January 31, 2013 3:17 p.m.

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Mopeds provide transportation to those who need cheap transportation. Do they really need to carry 25,000 in liability insurance? If they do, then so do bicycle riders. Surely the insurance lobby is behind this. I say, let everyone self-insure

djofraleigh
January 31, 2013 3:13 p.m.

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Maybe, instead of insuring the mode of transportation, we should require insurance on the operator- a policy that covers any vehicle he/she may hop into or onto. Require a person to have 'motorist' insurance rather than car insurance.

faperrigo
January 31, 2013 3:03 p.m.

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How about making them get alicense like the rest of us that use the roads. Oh I forgot NC home of the LICKER SICKLE

weasel2
January 31, 2013 3:03 p.m.

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Mopeds and bicycles should be prohibited on roads with speed limits of 55 mph or higher. They are hazards to avaid at any speed but for roads that are posted for "highway speed" the mopeds and bicycles are especially dangerous for everyone.

I totally agree with the other posts about people with revoked licenses for DUI/DWI, they shouldn't be operating ANY motorized vehicle.

ftpc99
January 31, 2013 2:58 p.m.

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...and some of those convicted of drunk driving crimes drive drunk on mopeds. They shouldn't be driving anything.

froggygirl
January 31, 2013 2:31 p.m.

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Mopeds are the only options for some who have been convicted of drunk driving crimes. Here's your sign don't drive drunk and you will not have to ride a moped.