DC Scooter STing

[grobo]

I just wanted to send a heads up that in downtown DC (near the Farragut North Metro Station) there was a "scooter sting" where they were pulling over scooters to check for license, registration, and plates. There were BIG tickets to be paid if you were missing this. Since I noticed there are a number of DC area members I just wanted to give a heads up.

[marylandmark]

Thanks!

For me at least $75 (every 2 years?) for tag/registration and $160/insurance is the best performance mod I have done!

[King Vino]

DC's crime rate on scooter thefts is through the roof, but a sting is moot since DC DMV changed the law at the first of the year to match MD's,, so I'm not sure what they think they'll find, since all scooters under 50cc do not need tags, plates or insurance. I found it interesting that DC DMV still show the old regs still, yet MPD has the revissions listed.

[grobo]

I was talking with a numbre of the scooterists who were pulled over (one riding a razz then other a vino 50cc) and both recieved tickets. They said that the officer told them that not needing plates and insurance was a "myth" and that all two wheel motorized vehicles in DC need reg, plates, etc.. He also showed them a copy of a DC statute stating, which he said was passed in August 2004, that even operating an under 50cc scooter without these documents is considered reckless driving and gives another ticket. Just a heads up so everyone knows what they might hear.

[marylandmark]

When I bought my scooter I asked for a copy of the MD laws on scooters and they had it already printed ready to give me. I keep it with my registration under my seat. My registration has the "rules of the road" on it as well.

[Lennox]

SO< WHAT IS the deal??? who is right here???

[King Vino]

I was talking with a numbre of the scooterists who were pulled over (one riding a razz then other a vino 50cc) and both recieved tickets. They said that the officer told them that not needing plates and insurance was a "myth" and that all two wheel motorized vehicles in DC need reg, plates, etc.. He also showed them a copy of a DC statute stating, which he said was passed in August 2004, that even operating an under 50cc scooter without these documents is considered reckless driving and gives another ticket. Just a heads up so everyone knows what they might hear.

That is incorrect that was the August 1978 regulation that was recently revoked. DC-DMV still shows it because they do not revise their books until the first of the year.

[King Vino]

I literally came to blows with Todd over this, because I argued that plates are needed for anything over 24cc, and he hit me in the face with the DC Police (MPD) manual that clearly states scooters with 49cc and below DO NOT need tags. I have the actual page that I'm willing to Xerox and mail to anyone who wants to send me their address to my PM box! This is the May 2004 MPD regulation manual! I know the Saints have the old law still posted and it is completely incorrect, in fact it was the first time in my entire life, that Todd was correct about something, and I had to admit I was wrong to him!

Revisiting GO 303.1: Enforcement of Moped Regulations

Subsection: (d) an engine no larger than 1.5 horsepower or a maximum speed of 25mph

All operators of mopeds from Maryland and DC must have a permit. Operators of mopeds from states which do not require a license may operate a moped in DC without a license.

The following rules apply to mopeds operated in the District of Columbia.
(a)no helmet is required (b)no insurance is required. (c)a moped may be parked like a bicycle. (d)operators must obey all motor vehicles laws. (e)the operator must be at least 16 years of age.


....May 14th 2004 MPD

ADDED: If you get anymore grief my old friend and CO said you should take it up with 65 K Street, because this is the law they have on thier books.

[idahoscoot]

not but two years ago idaho had a similar law to you guys in DC but, in their great wisdom L.O.L they revised our law to seperate the differance between scooters and mopeds . mopeds are still exempt of any regs. and or insurance,
scooters buy ID. law are treated just like a motorcycle no matter the cc. so guys i feel your pain !!!! but uncle sam knows best right LOL !! :cool:

[XPS1210]

Just to be safe, why not insure and license them anyways?

[King Vino]

You guys can keep arguing all you want, I gave ya the article number pertaining to DC Scooter laws from the Metropolitan PD Motor Vehicle Code Book that was given to me by a CO of the 4th D, You want to keep up at it, you got the article number you can call them at 45-K.

[Lennox]

blah...blah....blah.... all these police codes make my brain swell..... I wish it were as easy as "yes" or "no"

[XPS1210]

here we go again...

can't edit this one...