Riding Your Scooter and the Law
If you own a scooter and enjoy riding it, you have to keep in mind that there are laws that govern its use. And you must comply with them. Failure to do so could lead to infractions. If it’s your first time, you’ll get a warning. But if you do it consistently, you might have to do some community service or worse, spend a day or two in jail.
Generally speaking, driving a scooter follows the same rules as driving a car or vehicle. But to be more specific, here the laws regarding scooters and using them:
1. In California, you have to own a valid driver’s license or at least an instructional permit before you can drive a scooter.
It is also a must that you are 16 years old and above. That’s the legal driving age in most states. Those who are younger than 16 years old can’t drive their scooter on public roads. The licensed riders must have a class E at least. But then again, some states don’t require a driver’s license. Instead, a tag is required.
2. Scooters don’t require registrations, PIP insurance, or license plates.
As you can see, driving a scooter isn’t as strict as driving a car. Scooters don’t need any motorcycle endorsements either. This is because scooters aren’t expected to go very far other than around the block.
3. The use of helmet is required.
Regardless of how old the user of the scooter is, the law requires that they use a helmet at all times. A bicycle helmet is sufficient. Never go without it as you can be stopped by an officer. Furthermore, using helmets will protect you from possible accidents.
4. Scooter riders can’t have any passengers.
Scooters are for a single person’s use only. You can’t invite somebody to ride with you. This is because scooters are light vehicles. It may not be able to withstand the weight of two passengers at certain speeds.
5. Have at least one hand placed on the handle bars at all times.
If you are going to ride scooters on a public road, you have to comply with this law. This is not only for your own safety, but for others on the road as well. Unless you are in a scooter exhibition contest, don’t remove your hands from the handle bars.
6. Don’t drink and drive.
Don’t think for a second that because you’re not driving a car you are exempt from the drinking and driving law. The law that pertains to people who are driving under the influence of alcohol is applicable to those who are driving a scooter as well.
7. Don’t go faster than 15 mph.
Scooters can only go as fast as 15 mph and that’s the maximum. Even if your scooter has the ability to run faster than that, the law prohibits you from doing so.
8. You can’t drive scooters on streets that have speed limits of more than 25 mph.
When driving scooters on public roads, always know what the speed limits are. If it is above 25 mph, you can’t go there. That’s because faster cars could run past you and you could lose your balance. You can only use roads with speed limits higher than 25 mph if it provides for a bicycle lane.
9. You can’t ride scooters on sidewalks.
Bicycle lanes aren’t the same as sidewalks. Don’t attempt to drive the scooter on sidewalks in the absence of bicycle lanes. You are going to be apprehended if you try.
10. Scooter riders can’t make a left turn at intersections.
If you need to do so, you have to stop and dismount the scooter. You should also do that from the right side of the road. Then do a complete turn and cross the intersection on foot.
11. The use of headlights and reflectors are required. Should you want to use the scooter at night, it should be equipped with a visible headlight. The scooter should be visible within 300 feet or so. The reflector, on the other hand, should enhance its visibility for as much as 500 feet.
