Last summer the Ocean City Council unanimously passed an ordinance requiring the wearing of helmets and footwear for rental scooter riders. Now, following discussion at Wednesday’s police commission meeting, violators of this law are subject to a municipal infraction punishable by a fine of $100.The ordinance applies to rental scooters, mopeds and motorized minibikes, however does not include people who own and ride their own personal scooters. Rental scooters are also required to be clearly marked, so they can easily be distinguished from personal vehicles in order to help police identify which riders should be wearing helmets.
In addition, motor scooter rental companies in Ocean City must provide helmets for the riders, which the rider is required to wear. If a scooter rental company is found in violation, it is also punishable by a municipal infraction fine of $100.
The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens commuting on scooters or mopeds to follow safe riding practices. While a helmet and footwear are mandatory for rental scooters, the OCPD recommends that all motor scooter operators follow these practices as well. In addition, be aware of motorists’ “blind spots” and obey the speed limit, as excessive speed is a factor in many accidents. Finally, keep both hands on the handlebars, both feet on the floorboard, use extra caution at intersections and be cautious of pedestrians.
6 comments:
The driver should be required to have a license and insurance too.
it's a shame how ocean city has went down hill. few years back that was a nice family town. now it's turning into salisbury in some ways.
I saw some gal take a slide off one of those scooters in a bikini and flip flops and ripped off one of here nips on the road. By the times the ambulance got there it was sizzling like a run over peperoni.
Why are they not covered by Maryland law (license, registered, insurance and wearing of helments)? Bicycles are in the helment law and go slower than these motor scooters / cycles. Individuals ride these without regard of anything and they are very dangerous riders. I say this as an experienced Motorcycle rider.
8:33 am: State Law has required Scooter/Moped Operators to have either a License or Moped Operators Permit for many years... Insurance, that's another story all together.
Ocean City, and all governments, should mind their own business. If people want to go without helmets and assume the risk, that is their right. This is just another scheme to rip people off for money.
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