Kokomo police are warning the public that officers are strictly enforcing laws surrounding two-wheeled motorized vehicles, such as mo-peds and scooters.
“Riders should always remember that those riding mo-peds and other legal scooters are required to obey traffic laws just like bicycle riders, motorcycles and cars and trucks,” Capt. Gary McKay said.
In a June 28 crash, police said Douglas Vaneta, 42, was traveling on a mo-ped the wrong way on Union Street, going south on the one-way northbound street. He turned onto Defenbaugh Street, running into the side of a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Ashley Ward, 26, Middleton. According to witnesses, he did not look before he turned into Defenbaugh Street.
More and more mo-peds are on the streets, especially with gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon. That fact is making safety a major concern, McKay said.
“Every summer it seems like there’s more and more of these scooters on the street,” he said. “I don’t blame them for finding a way around with the high gas prices, but I’m worried about the kids I see riding these things.
“Parents need to realize how dangerous they can be when they turn their kids loose on these, especially when they double up on them. The law clearly states goggles and helmets are required when they are under 18, and they violate it all the time.
By state law, mo-ped operators must be at least 15 years old and have state ID. Additional requirements apply to mo-ped operators who are at least 15 but younger than 18 years old.
The vehicle must have headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals that are clearly visible to other traffic and functioning properly.
Mo-peds cannot be operated on sidewalks or interstate highways.
Anyone caught riding a motorcycle without the proper registration or equipment will be given a ticket and the motorcycle will be impounded until it is licensed and insured correctly. The fines for these violations will range between $112 to $132.
Mo-peds are also required to abide by the following laws regarding the operation of vehicles on public land:
• Brakes are required that are capable of producing deceleration at 14 feet per second on level ground at a speed of 20 mph.
• Vehicles cannot be used to hunt, kill or pursue a wild bird or any wild or domestic animal.
• An individual shall not operate a vehicle 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise without having a lighted headlight and taillight.
• An individual shall not operate a vehicle unless the vehicle has a muffler in good working condition and in continual operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke.
• A person who violates these statues commits a Class C infraction or a Class B misdemeanor.
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