Met my local motorcycle cop this morning...

[Uncle Groucho]

And not on terms I would've chosen.

So I'm on my way to work as I have done for nearly two months now at the same time of day, and today is the first time I've ever encountered a cop in that area. It's by a busy interstate, so there are loads of people driving like idiots. One of these said idiots is in front of me. As I'm pulling into the office park where my building is located, I hear the sirens fire up and a quick glance shows he's behind me; a motorcycle cop. I presume he's after the jerk in front and I move over and he immediately veers up behind me instead. I pull over in a small parking lot and wait for him to come over.

First thing he said was "You're going 40..." which confused the hell out of me since it was a posted 45 zone. I agreed and said I was going with the flow of traffic, still not sure why he pulled me over.

"You're on an unregistered motorcycle," he continues and I politely counter that I'm on a 50cc scooter and under Georgia law I am not required to have a tag. He keeps going saying that my moped (!) was going faster than 30 miles an hour and by law I need a tag. I didn't feel like going to jail or anything so I didn't argue that what he was telling me was contrary to everything I've read. Plus I was still a little anxious about getting pulled over in the first place.

He pulls out his booklet to start writing me a ticket and decides he's going to lecture me about what I'm missing:

"You need insurance..."
"Right here in my wallet, officer." Full coverage.
*blink*
"Well, you also need a motorcycle license or permit.."
"Permit. Right next to my insurance card, officer."

He steps away for a few minutes to look everything over and comes back to announce he's letting me off with a warning and tells me I need to get a tag. Gives me a ticket with fine crossed out and "WARNING" written in big letters.

I think I flummoxed him enough by having full coverage and my permit but it still had me a little spooked. So as soon as I get in I call my dealer for advice. He gave me a link to the state's DMV site that says the state will not title or tag scooters if they're 50cc or under. No choice, they just won't do it.

So I call the local precinct and ask them how to avoid the attention of their officer in the future and they basically said "keep a copy of that page with you at all times to show him."

Never seen this cop before. With all the jerks on the road around me, he elects to single me out. Didn't realize I was such a menace. Nice to know the guys enforcing the rules are up to date with them...

[KABarash]

Kinda sounds like the 'doors-or-no-doors' issue we have with Jeeps. Here in Pennsylvania the laws are vague, some cops will stop you most will not. I just avoid the only 'town' in the area where they do.
Can you take a different route to avoid that Officer's 'territory'?

[Tocsik]

The lovely and talented Officer D. Bag probably rides a full-dress Harley a total 500 miles/year on select weekends and felt the need to pick on a scooter rider to compensate for his short comings below his Sam Browne.

[Uncle Groucho]

Can you take a different route to avoid that Officer's 'territory'?

Not really; it was right in front of my office park. This is one of those times where I wished I didn't work six miles from home.

A benefit of this is that I'm thinking I'm about ready to trade up to a larger scooter anyway. This just makes it easier to justify to the missus...

[Uncle Groucho]

The lovely and talented Officer D. Bag probably rides a full-dress Harley a total 500 miles/year on select weekends and felt the need to pick on a scooter rider to compensate for his short comings below his Sam Browne.

How'd you know what he was riding?!

When I was taking my helmet off, I put it on my seat for a moment and he said "You'd better hang that thing off the handlebars like we do before it falls."

Instead I replied "Actually, I can do this" and put it on the floorboard of my Buddy...

Maybe that's why he almost gave me a ticket.

[Tocsik]

The lovely and talented Officer D. Bag probably rides a full-dress Harley a total 500 miles/year on select weekends and felt the need to pick on a scooter rider to compensate for his short comings below his Sam Browne.

How'd you know what he was riding?!

When I was taking my helmet off, I put it on my seat for a moment and he said "You'd better hang that thing off the handlebars like we do before it falls."

Instead I replied "Actually, I can do this" and put it on the floorboard of my Buddy...

Maybe that's why he almost gave me a ticket.

Ha, nice! Actually, I was referring to his "off-hours" riding. Those guys go through some pretty rigorous training and are generally very good riders.

Love the "like we do" comment, though. What a doosh. Further proof that if you don't do like he does or ride what he rides, you're a p***y.

"Well he can't be a man 'cause he doesn't smoke
the same cigarrettes as me." - Rolling Stones

[Uncle Groucho]

His work ride looked pretty pimped out too... do motorcycle cops need leather saddlebags with fringe? Not being snarky, just seems a little flash unless you're Eric Estrada.

He wasn't an out-and-out bouchedag but he was a little patronizing until we got to the "here's everything you've asked for which is beyond what I am required to produce" conversation.

I absolutely loathe confrontation though so I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to another meeting with this guy in spite of written proof from the state that I can't tag my scooter.

[Quo Vadimus]

Not to be a know-it-all, but a quick Goog turned up

5. May not use limited access highways or other roadways where the minimum speed limit is above 35 mph.

from

http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata.as ... 9514&ty=dl




Here in MI mopeds are supposed to be limited to 30 (what he claimed your problem was). I don't see that on this page, but who knows. Either way if you argue with him too much it sounds like they'll be able to stick you with at least being in the wrong place.

Edit: No, he's got you there, too.

(28) "Moped" means a motor driven cycle equipped with two or three wheels, with or without foot pedals to permit muscular propulsion, and an independent power source providing a maximum of two brake horsepower. If a combustion engine is used, the maximum piston or rotor displacement shall be 3.05 cubic inches (50 cubic centimeters) regardless of the number of chambers in such power source. The power source shall be capable of propelling the vehicle, unassisted, at a speed not to exceed 30 miles per hour (48.28 kilometers per hour) on level road surface and shall be equipped with a power drive system that functions directly or automatically only, not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.

TITLE 40. MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
CHAPTER 1. IDENTIFICATION AND REGULATION
ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

[Quo Vadimus]

I've heard tons of stories about these laws creating confusion amongst the people whose job it is to deal with those very laws. I know of one MB member who apparently went through quite a hassle to register his 50 the way it's supposed to be (as a 'real' motorcycle) here in MI. I think for the most part cops know the way the law works out (whether it's what's written or not) and know that we're pretty much only a threat to ourselves and that there are bigger fish to fry.

But there's always at least one guy with something to prove...

[Uncle Groucho]

Not to be a know-it-all, but a quick Goog turned up

5. May not use limited access highways or other roadways where the minimum speed limit is above 35 mph.

from

http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata.as ... 9514&ty=dl




Here in MI mopeds are supposed to be limited to 30 (what he claimed your problem was). I don't see that on this page, but who knows. Either way if you argue with him too much it sounds like they'll be able to stick you with at least being in the wrong place.

I did see that 2 months ago when I was deciding what to buy. My dealer advised that as removing the governor did not change the engine size, my vehicle did not qualify as a "motorcycle" and as such I did not need a license or tag. Believe me, I did as much reading as I could prior to making the call to get a scooter.

My scooter is not a moped either, so one could argue it as a grey area. (Edit, I've since re-read your edited post. Looks like the state of Georgia is trying to make this difficult for me after all.) If I had my wits with me I could have said it was inertia that was propelling me forward instead of my throttle. How does a motorcycle cop clock your speed if he's in motion and can't hold a radar gun? He wasn't immediately behind me or I would have heard him, so he couldn't be using his spedo to check my speed.

I didn't feel like arguing with him anyway, but you have a point.

It's my crummy luck that the location of my office requires me to drive less than 1 mile in an area zoned 45. 95% of the time that area is gridlocked so I'm not doing 40 MPH and can make it to the sidestreets where 35 is the law.

The law states a 50cc scooter can't be tagged. The state does not define a difference between scooters and mopeds. (Edit: It just defines what a moped is. So am I on a moped or a scooter?) Therefore, I can't have a tag issued for my scooter. Full stop. Am I completely in the right? No. Is the cop right? I'd say not. But aside from forcing me to take my scooter back to the dealer to restore the restrictor plate, I fail to see how he can enforce his claim I am an unregistered motorcycle.

Either way, I'm leaning towards upgrading at this point anyway. Splitting hairs with the local po-po isn't going to make things easier. The funny thing is that I've encountered plenty of squad cars in other parts of the county and on roads zoned 45. They didn't even blink.

The universe just put this guy behind me for some reason today. The reason why remains to be seen.

[Edwub]

Well...recheck the above linked website

Mopeds

A moped is defined as any motor driven cycle with an engine not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters (3.05 cubic inches).

Mopeds are exempt from the provisions relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles.

Rules to operate mopeds on Georgia roads and highways:

Must be 15 years of age and have in their possession a valid driver's license, instructional permit or limited permit.
Must wear protective headgear (motorcycle helmet).
No tag is required.
Every person operating a moped upon a roadway must obey the same traffic laws governing drivers of motor vehicles.
May not use limited access highways or other roadways where the minimum speed limit is above 35 mph."

If we ignore moped vs scooter thing, which in this case is just semantics, it's still the same root legal issue. I'll try to break it down:

Your 50cc vehicle is exempt from registration and licensing issues. However, you do need proper gear, to follow traffic laws, and licensing, etc. All check, so far. Most states include a speed maximum of 30, which is why 'restriction' exists. Your scooter isn't restricted, and it can hit higher speeds.

However, the catch appears to be valid: even though you have the _ability_ to go faster and on roads with higher speed limits, you _legally should not_.

edit; I don't know Georgia law, but I do know that minimum speed in Georgia is defined as "[...] at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. �40-6-184(a)(1)". Up for interpretation, again. Would you consider 35mph too slow for that 45mph road, would it mess with traffic? If so, you legally can't be on it.

You can always call the county office and see if there's a set minimum on that road, heh.

[viney266]

Had this happen at my old shop in Baltimore. We had a local cop handing out helmet tickets to my moped customers...The cop did NOT know the law and that mopeds were excempt ( still a good idea to wear a helmet in my opinion, BUT they were legal)
So, I printed the page out of the law book and kept copies on my counter and made sure to hand them out to all of my moped customers... He still handed out at least 5 tickets I know of, and the riders took them to court and beat them...

But yeah, I agree keep a copy of the law under your seat, and just like before, be polite and tell him how it is... Don't let him rattle you ( try) he is just a guy doing his job...He is just wrong and HOPEFULLY went and checked on it and found out he WAS WRONG and you won't see him again

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

I think a lot of cops in general talk big and probably talk to scooter riders like little kids compared to if you were riding something that reeks of penis envy. I had a run-in with a motorcycle cop, and I was probably going 10 over the posted 30, so not arguing that. He felt like he needed to educate me how dangerous it was to ride on roads like US-1 with a whopping 40mph speed limit. What an idiot. There are a lot of cool cops and also some douchebags. I work with a lot of our local cops on accident scenes, and one of the fuel sites and satellite offices are shared with my firehouse. I'll leave my scooter parked outside close to the fuel pumps during the daytime and bring it in at night. Hopefully more and more cops will recognize my scooter and be less likely to pull me over in the first place.

[AWinn6889]

In NY, state troopers don't care if your helmet looks adequate but does not have a DOT sticker... Town and County cops DO.
My bf and I were leaving Saratoga after a trip up there for lunch and were stuck at a stop light next to some troopers, they were checking out his Sportster hard core (this was before I got my scoot, so I was on the back), we chatted with them until the light turned green, and went on our merry way. They clearly saw that he had the same exact helmet that I did, he just didn't have a DOT sticker for whatever reason.
This SAME situation happens about 5-8 minutes later, only with county cops. They were in a "Left Only" turn lane, and as we got the green light and pulled away, they threw their lights on, whipped out of their lane (almost hit someone) and pulled us over, because the bf's helmet didn't have a DOT sticker. After waiting like 20 minutes for them to even approach us (likely running the plates, etc) we showed them that his was exactly the same brand and model type as mine, and they let us go... but said "Make sure you get that DOT sticker replaced"... which is ILLEGAL in NY!
If your helmet does not have a DOT sticker when you purchase it, or you remove the sticker, you must REPLACE the HELMET (most helmets have clearcoat covering the sticker, like mine, so you can't take it off, but matte black ones don't... for obvious reasons).
It is illegal to sell or purchase/use "false" DOT stickers. (That's why if you look for them on eBay, they are all from Canada, China, or elsewhere!)

[StL_Stadtroller]

Same deal here in Missouri... There isn't a 50cc bike in the world that meets the technical definition of a "moped" due to the 30mph clause, and yet the DMV will not issue titles for 50cc bikes.

Solution: Your MSO says nothing about displacement. Go into the DMV and say NOTHING other than the facts and register your MOTORCYCLE as normal.

the fun thing about the St. Louis area though is that the city is surrounded by 94 separate little puppet municipalities, and each one of them can pass "more restrictive than state laws" of their own. ie - MO may not require a helmet on a moped, but the 4-square block "City of St. George" can... and ticket you as you pass though.

fun times!

[synaps3]

Solution: Your MSO says nothing about displacement. Go into the DMV and say NOTHING other than the facts and register your MOTORCYCLE as normal.

They won't give you a tag based on displacement here in GA. My father in law has a 49cc Honda Met. He insured it and took it in to be tagged, and they refused. They wouldn't even assign it a title, simply based on the information they could pull from the VIN (specifically the ccs).

There was a huge argument between three of the people at the tag office when I went to register the Buddy 125 I have now... Since I bought it in Florida, they made sure the VIN wasn't stolen, verified my insurance, and then had me fill out a title application. The title application had four checkboxes that all had to be checked:
( ) Is the motorbike 49cc or greater displacement?
( ) Is the motorbike capable of speeds exceeding 30mph?
( ) Is the motorbike designed for highway use?
( ) Does the motorcycle have more than 2hp?

I did not check the last one on my application, because any vehicle 125ccs and below is not allowed on interstate highways. The attendants had to argue about whether or not they could title because of this, and eventually came back and told me I was out of luck. I asked to speak to their supervisor, because I had gotten the two other Buddys I've owned tagged and titled with no issue in the past. Apparently the law is completely unclear and contradicts itself in many places about what is and what isn't allowed on the highway. The supervisor had me check the box anyways, and told me to stay off the highway just in case.

The laws here are so stupid, just keep this form on you at ALL times: http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/forms/pdf/ ... m_T228.pdf

The above form is the title application you have to complete to register any new motorcycle or scooter. Since the information associated with your VIN lists your engine displacement as 49ccs, and the official DMV form above has that as a checkbox, you cannot tag or title a 49cc scooter in Georgia, regardless of county. You don't even need insurance or a license, you just have to be over the age of 14. But, explaining driving requirements in GA would require at least as much text as I've already typed, because the DMV requirements are even more of a quagmire than the tag office...

[Southerner]

First of all, I think you're taking it too personally. That cop don't know you from squat and probably forgot you before the end of his shift.

And, although I've never owned a scooter and never ridden one very much, I think sometimes people get a bit of a persecution complex.

It sounds like your cop wasn't clear about the law. I'm not surprised. They're supposed to enforce the law but that doesn't make them legal experts. The fact that he backed off and only gave you a warning leads me to believe he realized he wasn't clear on the law himself.

I'm still unclear what you got your warning ticket FOR. Was it for no tag? If so, you have the law about that on your side. Even he can't argue with the DMV. Heck, I'd go to the DMV just to get turned down and see if I could get them to give you something in writing saying you don't qualify.

It sounds like he might, and I say might, know about the 30 mph thing on a "moped" so was that it? That seems like a picky point. Cops don't trip all over themselves to ticket you for absolutely everything UNLESS you piss them off.

It's always a bad day when you get pulled over.

[k1dude]

the fun thing about the St. Louis area though is that the city is surrounded by 94 separate little puppet municipalities, and each one of them can pass "more restrictive than state laws" of their own. ie - MO may not require a helmet on a moped, but the 4-square block "City of St. George" can... and ticket you as you pass though.

fun times!

Bel-Ridge is a small 7 square mile town off of 170 and Natural Bridge that abuts the highway for about 300 yards. So the Bel-Ridge cops hand out tickets on that tiny stretch to raise funds. It's a classic speed trap and they make stuff up at will. I was doing 60 on 170 behind a van and they gave me a ticket for doing 75. Their traffic court was a complete racket. All they want is your money and they'll give you a deal without any points or any questions asked if you just pay them. Innocence is irrelevant and doesn't even enter into their business dealings. Arrrgh!!!

[Ethan Allison]

Okay, here's where things get weird. "Highway" in legal speak means any public road regardless of whether it's a freeway or not. So the "is the motorcycle designed for highway use" basically is asking if it's street-legal instead of a dirtbike, ATV etc.

Any derestricted 50cc scooter is legally considered a motorcycle (because it can go 35-45) in every state I'm aware of and you can/have to register it as such.

[Uncle Groucho]

I'll admit freely that I didn't think I'd be targeted on a small strip of road between a side street and a main thoroughfare; I checked on my way back from work. 6/10th of a mile and the posted speed limit was 40, not 45. Guess my luck ran out, but when you think about it, it's kind of a silly thing.

So yes, I was at fault for going onto a roadway I wasn't technically allowed to be on. The cop however cited a code relating to an unregistered motorcycle, which as others have pointed out, is not permitted under Georgia law based on the size of my engine. There's no real out for me here under the circumstances. I can't tag my scooter because the state won't issue one. If he catches me again, I'm still at fault because for 6/10th of a mile I'm breaking the law. The whole point of my getting a scooter was to avoid the malaise of mass transit that exists in Atlanta. I'd spend more time waiting at one bus stop for a transfer in the morning than the entire time it takes for me to get to work and back. But then people tailgate, run red lights, go 10 miles over the speed limit all the time. Am I doing anything worse than they are?

Yeah, I guess I took it a little personally because I was embarrassed at getting pulled over for something I thought was a little petty. Seriously, the one time I throttle it to avoid some bozos around me and Johnny Law decides to teach me a lesson. Even if I wasn't going 40 he would have cited me for being on a road marked 5 miles faster than I was permitted to be on. It's a no-win for me there.

It's a crapshoot; if I keep my route (and there's no other way to get to work without taking the bus) he may elect to look for me and I get tagged and possibly ticketed. But how many commutes before my luck runs out again?

All I can say is that I'm putting Bogie up on CL to see if I can break even and upgrade to another Buddy @125-150cc so I can at least get a tag, complete the MSF course and put it all down to a lesson learned.

[Ethan Allison]

Are you sure you can't get it registered? The checklist posted earlier said 49cc+ is eligible to be registered as a motorcycle, didn't it?

[TVB]

Any derestricted 50cc scooter is legally considered a motorcycle (because it can go 35-45) in every state I'm aware of and you can/have to register it as such.

Except there are places where they refuse to. Catch 22. There is nothing (except judicial review after the fact) to prevent legislators (or these days, lobbyists) from writing laws that contradict other laws, and this is an example of that. All you can do is... to do the best that you can do comply with the spirit of the law, and hope for the best.

[bluebuddygirl]

Some of you are reading that law wrong. It says that under 50 cc. bikes can't use a road where the MINIMUM speed is 35. It does not say anything about the maximum speed or how fast an under 50 cc scooter is allowed to go. It is simply a highway restriction and most roads do not have minimum speed limits unless they are interstate.

[Southerner]

.....................................................
All I can say is that I'm putting Bogie up on CL to see if I can break even and upgrade to another Buddy @125-150cc so I can at least get a tag, complete the MSF course and put it all down to a lesson learned.

If you can afford to do that right now, I'd say the upgrade would be worthwhile. Maybe fate has just pushed you in the right direction.

I would also consider whether the cop is really going to start haunting that particular area. If not, you might just consider continuing to do what you're doing now.

[Uncle Groucho]

Are you sure you can't get it registered? The checklist posted earlier said 49cc+ is eligible to be registered as a motorcycle, didn't it?

The kicker is that 50cc aren't permitted on highways in Georgia so three out of four boxes checked would equal no tag; like synaps3 said, I could go argue with the DMV clerks all day but his circumstance was for a larger engine that had to be titled and tagged. Ultimately they'll point to their own ruling that they will not issue a tag to a 50cc engine.

The other option is to get my dealer to install a big bore kit or luck out and find a used 125-150cc Buddy engine somewhere for him to swap in and keep my Bogie.

[TVB]

The kicker is that 50cc aren't permitted on highways in Georgia...

No, scroll back up and read what Ethan Allison wrote before:

"Highway" in legal speak means any public road regardless of whether it's a freeway or not. So the "is the motorcycle designed for highway use" basically is asking if it's street-legal instead of a dirtbike, ATV etc.

[TVB]

Same deal here in Missouri... There isn't a 50cc bike in the world that meets the technical definition of a "moped" due to the 30mph clause, and yet the DMV will not issue titles for 50cc bikes.

A speed-restricted 50cc scooter (i.e. every one that's legally imported into the US, until/unless it's derestricted by someone) meets the legal definition of "moped" in most state laws.

[BuddyRaton]

Keeping a copy of the statute is a good idea.

I keep a copy of the statute allowing MCs (and scooters) to drive the HOV lanes solo, and a copy showing that my headlight modulator is legal. I've never had a problem with FHP but I do get some looks as I pass a thousand cars on my commute, and with the HL Modulator every once in a while someone just gets out of my way!!

[PeteH]

I keep a copy of the Missouri statue allowing motor-driven cycles (that's us) to go through a sensor-triggered red light if it doesn't change after a 'reasonable' time.

[Anachronism]

He gave you a warning because you were violating a law. Whether it is a law that you agree with isn't his problem.

He didn't ticket you, and one of the reasons for his gruffness (and probably the reason he knows the law in regards to 50cc scooters is that he is used to interacting with those totally ignorant of the law using them as DUI cycles.

I don't think all the "penis compensator" type comments in this thread are really necessary.

[PeteH]

You're going 40...

Since the first thing out of his mouth was your speed, it was plainly obvious to him that you were riding a derestricted scooter, the act of which violates some combination of import, sales, and licensing laws on the books.

Yes, I agree there's a gap between untitled/untaxed 'mopeds' and full-sized (>50cc) bikes that needs to be addressed in law. I get that.

But say what you will about the convoluted licensing in your jurisdiction, the point is, had you not derestricted, you would have never Attracted Law Enforcement Attention.

Sad and silly, but true.

[Southerner]

I'm tellin ya, it's a good excuse to get a bigger scooter!

And do remember to NEVER piss off the cops. It never goes well.

[Uncle Groucho]

The kicker is that 50cc aren't permitted on highways in Georgia...

No, scroll back up and read what Ethan Allison wrote before:

"Highway" in legal speak means any public road regardless of whether it's a freeway or not. So the "is the motorcycle designed for highway use" basically is asking if it's street-legal instead of a dirtbike, ATV etc.

Sorry, I was half-awake when I responded. And yes, I wait until I'm more alert than that to get on the road...

[Speedweasel]

Motorcycle cops exist for one thing only:

Revenue.

And typically, they're the bottom-of-the-barrel in regards to hierarchy... as well as quality.

Avoid at all costs... and if you do get dinged, contest in court.

[PeterC]

Some years ago, here in AZ, I bought a used Kymco People 50 from a dealership. I took it to the local DMV to register it and get a new title and plates. After an hour of my sitting around and waiting, they refused to title or register it, on the grounds that it was just under 50cc and allegedly not legal for use on public roads, despite having all the proper lights, horn, etc. I went back to the dealer, and they sent me across the street to a private title agency, where I received a new title, registration and plates for under $20...all in about 10 minutes. Lesson learned.

[synaps3]

So yes, I was at fault for going onto a roadway I wasn't technically allowed to be on.

Why not? You're allowed by state law on ALL roads other than the interstate highways, which contain their own set of ordinances and safety regulations in GA. You cannot be ticketed or faulted for driving your unregistered scooter on the roads you have described here. You are doing nothing legally wrong at all! The only thing I see wrong is embarrassed at yourself for some reason -- don't be! It's not your fault the cop doesn't know the laws. You're completely right, and he is wrong.

Like I said, keep the registration form I linked to on you, and you'll be fine. If the cop pulls you over again, and actually tickets you, don't argue, just take the ticket, get his badge number, and when time comes to pay, plead innocent and state your case to the judge. It will be immediately dismissed. Once dismissed, you can bring a complaint against the officer to try to make sure he doesn't bother you anymore.

The cop however cited a code relating to an unregistered motorcycle, which as others have pointed out, is not permitted under Georgia law based on the size of my engine.

Since you have under 50ccs, you don't have a motorcycle. You can't and aren't required to register it.

Don't take it personally, and don't bother to sell Bogie! You won't get more than $1000 for a 50cc bike here in Atlanta, so you'll probably take a loss. I bought a Buddy 125 with 250 miles on it for $1400 last year, and most scooters won't sell unless they get down that low.

and put it all down to a lesson learned.

You have no lesson to learn... You are completely in the right and have done nothing wrong. Enjoy the ride, and ignore the haters.

[heythere512]

Keeping a copy of the statute is a good idea.

I keep a copy of the statute allowing MCs (and scooters) to drive the HOV lanes solo, and a copy showing that my headlight modulator is legal. I've never had a problem with FHP but I do get some looks as I pass a thousand cars on my commute, and with the HL Modulator every once in a while someone just gets out of my way!!

Sorry, but what's a headlight modulator?

[synaps3]

Sorry, but what's a headlight modulator?

It's a little relay that turns your headlight on and off so that it flashes. It increases visibility greatly, because people notice flashing lights much more than solid.

[Rippinyarn]

Sorry, but what's a headlight modulator?

It's a little relay that turns your headlight on and off so that it flashes. It increases visibility greatly, because people notice flashing lights much more than solid.

I believe that it switches between high and low beams, only during the day, in order to increase conspicuity of your scoot and you. It's very effective, and I'm considering one for the Blur.

[ericalm]

In general, motorcycle cops put on more miles ridden than anyone else on the road. They may be jerks (as individuals, not a group) but they're certainly not weekend warriors/wild hogs/whatever.

A lot of states and cities have been cracking down on illegal (mostly unlicensed) riders in response to rises both in scooter/MC sales and in crashes. Though some legal and legit riders will probably get pulled over, in general this is a good thing for all of us.

It's also true that even cops don't know the details and minutiae of vehicle codes. Often, we may know more because they pertain to us! I've heard cops spouting incorrect info in news stories on TV and in the paper. Often they believe the same rumors and hearsay others often parrot.

Carrying documentation of confusing or conflicting regulations is probably a good idea. Probably not a good idea is handing them to an officer and exclaiming, "Read it and weep, pig! next time check yo'self!" or some such.

[viney266]

Sorry, but what's a headlight modulator?

It's a little relay that turns your headlight on and off so that it flashes. It increases visibility greatly, because people notice flashing lights much more than solid.

I believe that it switches between high and low beams, only during the day, in order to increase conspicuity of your scoot and you. It's very effective, and I'm considering one for the Blur.

^^^ And illegal in MANY states, so make sure to check... I know they are in Md. And the cops will nail you for them, they don't like flashing lights.

[viney266]

Carrying documentation of confusing or conflicting regulations is probably a good idea. Probably not a good idea is handing them to an officer and exclaiming, "Read it and weep, pig! next time check yo'self!" or some such.

...Agreed, most Cops will be respectful and business like with you if you act the same way to them...not always, but its a good place to start.

[Southerner]

No sense in giving them grief. it's not personal and he has a job to do, and a pretty thankless one at that.

I would think that, of all cops, a MC cop would be more in sympathy with all 2-wheeled brethren than any other. I can't imagine somebody wanting to be a MC patrol officer who DIDN'T like to ride, especially in ATL.

I agree that keeping a copy of the law is a good idea; just be respectful when you present it.

[TVB]

And the cops will nail you for them, they don't like flashing lights.

Neither do a lot of other motorists.

[CROSSBOLT]

We got rid of our 50's and got a Buddy 150 and a Kymco Yager just to get RID of the hassles with cops, DMV's and insurance people. We did the MSF rider course and took the endorsement test for TN. NOW let them gripe!

Karl

[Southerner]

And the cops will nail you for them, they don't like flashing lights.

Neither do a lot of other motorists.

I don't know the law in this state but I have seen a few bikes equipped with them. These are usually ridden by the super ATGATT types who wear all the gear, and helmet and everything else is bright fluorescent.

Having met a few of those bikes so equipped, my automatic reaction is to find them irritating. I can see others thinking the same way.

I guess I'm glad I started riding back in the dark ages. Back then, my 50s (a Honda Mini Trail and a Suzuki TS50) didn't attract any notice from the cops.

[teabow1]

So as soon as I get in I call my dealer for advice. He gave me a link to the state's DMV site that says the state will not title or tag scooters if they're 50cc or under. No choice, they just won't do it.

So I call the local precinct and ask them how to avoid the attention of their officer in the future and they basically said "keep a copy of that page with you at all times to show him."

Never seen this cop before. With all the jerks on the road around me, he elects to single me out. Didn't realize I was such a menace. Nice to know the guys enforcing the rules are up to date with them...

Hey, this is great information! I live in North Carolina and wonder if scooters of 50cc and under need to be "tagged". I don't even know what that means! I do know that in North Carolina that I don't need a motorcycle license for a 50cc scooter. Hmm...time to find out...or does anyone know about North Carolina's requirements?

[teabow1]

Had this happen at my old shop in Baltimore. We had a local cop handing out helmet tickets to my moped customers...The cop did NOT know the law and that mopeds were excempt ( still a good idea to wear a helmet in my opinion, BUT they were legal)
So, I printed the page out of the law book and kept copies on my counter and made sure to hand them out to all of my moped customers... He still handed out at least 5 tickets I know of, and the riders took them to court and beat them...

But yeah, I agree keep a copy of the law under your seat, and just like before, be polite and tell him how it is... Don't let him rattle you ( try) he is just a guy doing his job...He is just wrong and HOPEFULLY went and checked on it and found out he WAS WRONG and you won't see him again

Wow, this is so unfortunate! Yes, so it is legal in Baltimore to go on a scooter/moped without a helmet AND it is a hassle to have to fight in court for a ticket that has been wrongly given. Ugh. When I get my scooter, I'm going to keep a copy of North Carolina scooter laws in the underseat storage. Good ideas. As far as I know, the only requirements for a 50cc scooter in N.C. are:
1. rider must wear helmet approved for motorcycle use
2. vehicle must be 50cc or under
3. (and this one I'm not too sure about but...) be under 30mph (or is it 35mph?)

[TVB]

You may find this helpful:

http://moped2.org/laws/North-Carolina.htm

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

why I firmly believe that all scooters should be registered and have a minimum liability insurance. It will also go a long way in cracking down on thefts.