(WWJ) Do you know what's required to legally operate a moped in Michigan?
One police department in metro Detroit is reminding residents of moped laws, after noting an increase in the number of mopeds being operated within the city.
The Grosse Pointe Farms Department of Public Safety says it it has recently encountered "numerous complaints" about the the lightweight motorized bikes, ranging from reckless/careless operation, vehicles not legal for the road, and operators being too young.
The State of Michigan and the Secretary of State have laws that specifically address mopeds for license requirements, registration, and rules of operation.
Police said the laws are enforced in Grosse Pointe Farms and throughout the State. ..Some main requirements for operating a moped include the following: 1. If you do not have a valid operator or chauffeur license and are at least age 15, you may apply for a moped license. You are not eligible for a moped license if your operator or chauffeur license is suspended, revoked or denied.2. Mopeds must be registered at a Secretary of State office unless solely operated on private property. A three-year registration decal costs $15 and is displayed on the back of your moped so it is visible to law enforcement officers. It expires April 30 in the year on the decal.3. If you are a moped operator, you must follow the same traffic rules as other motor vehicle operators. A moped is defined by law as a motor vehicle with two or three wheels that:a. Has an engine that does not exceed 100cc piston displacementb. Does not have a gearshiftc. Has a top speed of 30 mph or less on a level surface
Find full details from the SOS on Michigan moped laws HERE
"Safe and legal operation of mopeds is the goal of the Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Department," police said, in a notice sent to residents and the media on Monday. "We have provided this information to educate parents and potential moped riders as to the process and requirements to legally operate a moped on public streets within the city."Parents are encouraged to visit this link to see if your teenager is eligible to operate a moped legally within the State of Michigan.