The Hawaii Police Department is reminding the public that moped operators must follow traffic laws. In addition, moped operators should be aware of the following requirements:
- Moped operators must have a valid driver's license.
- Mopeds require an annual safety inspection.
- No one under 15 1/2 may drive a moped on the road or on public property.
- All moped operators under 18 must wear a safety helmet.
- No one may operate a moped faster than 30 miles per hour or at any speed other than what is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions.
- Moped operators must drive in bicycle lanes when provided unless signs are posted to prohibit the use of mopeds on a bicycle lane.
- Persons operating a moped on the road shall drive in single file and may not drive on a sidewalk or any area intended for the exclusive use of pedestrians.
- Moped operators traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic must ride as near as practicable to the right side of the road except when preparing to make a left-hand turn or when conditions make it unsafe to ride along the right-hand side.
A moped may have two or three wheels, may carry only one person, must produce a maximum of two horsepower, must have a top speed on a straight level surface of no more than 30 miles per hour and must have an automatic transmission.
A motor scooter is any motorcycle (except a moped) that produces no more than five horsepower. Motorcycle laws apply to motor scooters.
Police ask motorists to be especially aware of mopeds on the road in holiday traffic and to exercise caution around them. Motorists are advised to call the Police Department's non-emergency line at 935-3311 to report anyone who is creating a hazard on a moped. To raise awareness about the dangers of operating mopeds unsafely, officers plan to increase enforcement of moped traffic laws.