About Moped Laws
Moped laws vary from state to state and you should consult the Department of Motor Vehicles for the states you will be operating your moped in before doing so. While there are specifications in certain states, some laws regulate the operation of mopeds in the entire United States.
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Helmet Laws
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In many states, after reaching the age of 18 or 19, a moped driver is no longer required to wear a helmet. Helmet requirements also depend on the maximum speed that the moped can travel, along with the state's minimum moped speed requirement, if one exists. Brake power is also considered in many states before helmets are required. Regardless of the helmet requirement, consider all the other unsafe drivers out there, and don a helmet just in case.
Engine Power Laws
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A nationwide moped law in the United States dictates that mopeds cannot exceed a named output. The highest legal output of a moped engine is 130 cubic centimeters, allowed in the state of Kansas. The average cubic centimeter output limit for the United States is 50.
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Brake Power Laws
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Engine horsepower and brake power are directly correlated; the greater the horsepower of the moped's engine, then the greater the brake's stopping power will be. Too high of a stopping power means that the moped may stop too suddenly in emergencies and flip or throw the operator off. The average brake power in the United State is 3.0 horsepower, with the highest being in Kansas at 3.5 horsepower.
Top Speed Laws
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As a safety precaution, many states instituted laws stating that mopeds may not be operated past certain speeds. This law is often broken, as the law is not enforced unless the moped is traveling faster than the speed limit posted for automobiles. To place further regulation on top speeds for mopeds many states prohibit mopeds to be used in areas with speed limits exceeding 35 miles per hour. In addition to this it is unlawful for a moped to be used on an interstate highway.
Operation and Licensing Laws
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While some states require that the moped operator hold a motorcycle license, other states give moped licenses to anyone with a bill of sale for a moped. Age requirements area also a part of many states' laws governing the operation of a moped or motorized scooter. Be certain to check the licensing laws for your state before even purchasing a moped to be used on a state or county road.
Considerations
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Regardless of the state specific laws that must be obeyed when operating a moped, it is always a safe choice to consider the other drivers using the road when operating a moped. Observe other drivers, and move over to the extreme edge of the road, or completely out of it to allow faster moving vehicles to pass. Wear a helmet even if there is not a law governing helmet use, and pay attention to the road.
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