Indiana law currently defines a moped as a "motorized bicycle," but House Bill 1344 changes this term to the more specific term "moped." The bill calls for mopeds to be titled and registered with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles if operated on a high way, with registration equal to the cost of registering a motorcycle. Anyone operating a moped on a highway is also required to have an identification card or driver's license in their immediate possession. "Mopeds should be held to the same safety and regulations as other vehicles on our mass transit systems," said Rep. Neese. "By registering mopeds, we are able to recognize mopeds as a valid form of transportation and recognize the safety precautions that come with this means of transportation." Funds received from the moped registration will be deposited in the Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Fund. The Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Program provides motorcycle operator education, provides instructor training, increases public awareness of motorcycle safety, and recommends improvements to the motorcycle operator licensing system. "From this legislation, only an incremental change will be made to our transportation system, but a considerable improvement will be made to secure the safety of our roads," Rep. Neese said. |
