OFF THE WIRE
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/New-Law-C
New Law Clarifies Motorcycle, Scooter Regulations
By Tisha Thompson and Rick Yarborough
A new law in the District clarifies the rules for scooter and
motorcycle drivers, replacing an confusing and outdated law that had led to
scooter riders in D.C. getting hit with dozens of tickets.
New Law Clarifies Motorcycle,..VIDEO
A new law in the District clarifies the rules for scooter and
motorcycle drivers, replacing an confusing and outdated law that had led to
scooter riders in DC getting hit with dozens of tickets.
The new law follows an News4 I-Team investigtion in August
2012.
Ann Goodman told the I-Team that police arrested her twice for
riding her scooter without the proper license. According to the law at the time,
all scooters - even motorized kiddie bikes - were considered motorcycles, and
the driver had to have a motorcycle license.
Barrie Danneker also got ticket after ticket for parking his
scooter on the sidewalk, since motorcycles aren't allowed to do that.
After the News4 story, D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh promised
to introduce a bill to clarify the law. It passed and the mayor just signed it
into law. The new law will be published in this summer’s copy of the D.C.
Register.
Here's a breakdown of the new law:
•Scooters are now called "motor-driven cycles" as long as they
go under 30 miles per hour. •They can park on sidewalks, outside the Central
Business District, if they're not blocking anything. •If it goes over 30 miles
per hour, it's considered a motorcycle. •Motor-driven cycles or motorcycles must
be registered, insured and inspected in the District. But only motorcycles
require a "motorcycle endorsement" on their license. •Both also require a
helmet.
To read the new law click here:
http://dcclims1.dccouncil.us/images/00001/20130118172734.pdf
