NEW SCOOTER LAWS AS OF JULY 1, 2013
Town of Chincoteague, Inc.
The Chincoteague Police Department would like to remind everyone that new scooter laws took effect July 1, 2013.
Helmets are now required. These helmets are marked with a DOT sticker and are classified as motorcycle helmets. Riders must also wear a face shield, safety goggles, or safety glasses while riding a scooter. An excerpt of the new laws are shown below:
§ 46.2-914. Limitations on operation of mopeds.
B. No moped shall be driven on any highway by any person under the age of 16, and every person driving a moped shall carry with him a government-issued form of photo identification that includes his name, address, and date of birth.
§ 46.2-915.2. Safety equipment for mopeds; effect of violation; penalty.
Every person operating a moped, as defined in § 46.2-100, on a public street or highway shall wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles of a type approved by the Superintendent or have his moped equipped with safety glass or a windshield at all times while operating such vehicle, and operators and passengers thereon, if any, shall wear protective helmets of a type approved by the Superintendent.
A violation of any such ordinance this section shall not constitute negligence, be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence or be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a moped or motor vehicle, nor shall anything in this section change any existing law, rule, or procedure pertaining to any such civil action.
Any person who knowingly violates this section shall be guilty of a traffic infraction and be subject to a fine of not more than fifty dollars.