In Indiana, specific laws govern the operation of mopeds and scooters, which are collectively classified under “motor driven cycles” including motorized bicycles, and designated as Class B MDCs. These laws ensure that both moped and scooter drivers, as well as other road users, adhere to safe driving practices. As distinct categories under Indiana’s road laws, mopeds and scooters have set regulations regarding eligibility of riders, designated areas for riding, among other guidelines. Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has considerable experience in handling such cases and can offer valuable insights and answers to frequently asked questions related to both mopeds and scooters in Indiana.
What are the Indiana Moped Laws?
Some claim that mopeds are simply motorized bicycles that act as a safe means of localized transportation. The current moped laws in Indiana parallel this notion, as Indiana law states, “A moped, or a ‘motorized bicycle,’ is a two (2) or three (3) wheeled vehicle, that is propelled by an internal combustion engine or a battery-powered motor.” The maximum speed a moped can travel on a flat surface in Indiana is only 25mph.
However, recent moped crashes in Indiana have people calling for safer and stricter rules for moped drivers. Currently, Indiana only requires that riders under the age of eighteen where a helmet and eye protection. Drivers eighteen years of age and over need not wear any protective gear. Further, in order to operate a moped, an individual must only be fifteen years old and need not possess an Indiana driver’s license. All those who are fifteen years of age or older and do not have a driver’s license need, instead, an Indiana identification card.
Because moped laws do not require riders to have an Indiana driver’s license, a number of people who have lost their license to drive have started driving mopeds more frequently. This has many Hoosiers calling for stricter moped requirements. An argument posed by those affected by moped accidents questions why someone who just lost their license due to drunk driving should be allowed to operate a moped without a driver’s license, insurance, or a helmet. They claim that not only are the moped drivers in danger but so are the other drivers who share the road with them.
Although no laws have been changed at this point, people are hoping to get the ball rolling to reform the laws. Whichever outlook you may have, please be aware that with driving any vehicle on the streets comes great responsibility. Because of the small size of mopeds, their drivers can often be more vulnerable than others on the road. A moped crash has the potential to create devastating results. In order to protect yourself and avoid injury, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell encourages you to wear a helmet and drive your moped in a safe manner.
The warm weather brought about by the upcoming summer and fall months in Indiana makes driving a moped more convenient and a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. As a result, you can expect to see more mopeds on the roads. Regardless of the caution a moped driver may exhibit, accidents regarding these vehicles do happen. If you were hit by a car or other vehicle while riding your moped, you are likely authorized to receive compensation from the responsible party, even if you were not wearing a helmet or did not possess a proper license.
Indiana Laws for Scooters
In Indiana, scooter regulations are part of the motor-driven cycle laws. Riders need to be at least 15 years old and must hold either a valid learner’s permit or a state ID with a Class B MDC endorsem*nt to operate a scooter. Registration of the scooter with the BMV is necessary, and while insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended for added protection. Safety gear, specifically helmets and eye protection, is required for riders under 18 but advised for everyone. Scooters are allowed on most roads except interstates and sidewalks, and they must have a functioning headlamp and adhere to a 35 mph speed limit.
The following information below are frequently asked questions about Indiana moped laws that we want to answer for you:
What are the age and license restrictions for moped riding or moped ownership in Indiana?
The state of Indiana started requiring moped drivers be at least 15 years old in 2014. In addition, the individual must have either a valid learner’s permit or a state-issued ID with a Class B MDC endorsem*nt. Drivers can earn these from any license branch after passing a written test.
Do mopeds have to be registered in Indiana?
Yes. Registering your moped with the State of Indiana is simple at any BMV branch. There is no insurance requirement to register a moped or Class B MDC in the state of Indiana.Operators only need to bring proof of ownership and the $19 fee to secure registration.
What safety gear do I need to wear to ride a moped in Indiana?
If you are under the age of 18,it is mandatory in the state of Indiana to wear a helmet and eye protection when operating a moped. Wearing protective gear is always recommended even for adults.
A moped, like any Class B MDC, must have a fully functioning headlamp illuminated at all times.
Finally, as mopeds are often used for delivery jobs, it’s important to remember that operators are restricted from driving with packages in their hands.
Where can I drive my moped in Indiana?
Unlike snowmobiles, mopeds can be driven on most roads in Indiana. However, the law statesthat operators must stay in the far-right lane near the shoulder unless they are making a left-hand turn. Mopeds are restricted from interstate highways in all cases; this includes driving down the shoulder of I-70 or other major Indianapolis interstate highways. Keep the moped off roads that have on-ramps and off-ramps as these roads are interstate highways. On these highways, the law says “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.”As a moped’s maximum speed limit is 35 mph under Indiana law, it is both illegal and unsafe to drive a moped on these roads. Mopeds are not legally allowed to be ridden on the sidewalk in Indiana.
Have you been injured in a motor vehicle accident? Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has an experienced team of scooter accident attorneyswho can help you explore your options.
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