All motor scooters and mopeds must be titled and insured and all riders must wear helmets and eye protection by Oct. 1, according to a new Maryland State Police law.
Helmets are required to meet safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Insurance coverage must meet at least the minimum vehicle liability requirement and operators must carry proof of the insurance with them whenever they are driving the scooter or moped. Motor scooters and mopeds will be required to be titled by the Motor Vehicle Administration.
In case you need a refresher, here are the general MSP rules for riding scooters and mopeds:
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Drivers must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical and safe as possible, except when:
- Making a left turn
- Operating on a one-way street
- Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle
- Avoiding pedestrians and road hazards
- The right lane is a right turn only lane
- Operating in a lane too narrow for a bicycle or motor scooter and another vehicle to travel safely side by side.
Other rules include:
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- Drivers may ride side by side only if flow of traffic is unimpeded
- Drivers must exercise due care when passing
- Headsets covering both ears, or earplugs in both ears, are not permitted
- Scooters or mopeds may not be operated on roadways with speed limits greater than 50 mph
- Scooters or mopeds may not be operated at more than 30 mph
- Drivers may not operate on a roadway where there is a smooth paved bike lane or paved shoulder available, meaning they must use the bike lane or paved shoulder instead of the roadway
- Drivers must obey the rules of the road applicable to all vehicles.
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