Indiana Accident Attorney

Some claim that mopeds are simply motorized bicycles that act as a safe means of localized transportation. The current moped laws in Indiana parallel this notion, as Indiana law states, “A moped, or a ‘motorized bicycle,’ is a two (2) or three (3) wheeled vehicle, that is propelled by an internal combustion engine or a battery powered motor.” The maximum speed a moped can travel on a flat surface in Indiana is only 25mph.

However, some recent moped crashes in Indiana have some people calling for safer and stricter rules regarding moped drivers. Currently, Indiana only requires that riders under the age of eighteen where a helmet and eye protection. Drivers eighteen years of age and over need not wear any protective gear. Further, in order to operate a moped, an individual must only be fifteen years old and need not possess an Indiana driver’s license. All those who are fifteen years of age or older and do not have a driver’s license need, instead, is an Indiana identification card.

Because mopeds do not require an Indiana driver’s license, a number of people who have lost their license to drive, whether for driving while intoxicated or any other reason, have started driving mopeds to travel from place to place. This has many hoosiers calling for stricter moped laws and requirements. One argument posed recently by those affected by tragic moped accidents question why someone who just lost their license due to drunk driving should be allowed to operate a moped on the road without a driver’s license, insurance, or a helmet. They claim that not only is the moped driver him/herself in danger but so are the other drivers who share the road with them.

Still, those who support the current state of Indiana moped laws claim that a moped is considered a motorized bicycle, not a motor vehicle, and thus, no moped-specific license should be required.

Although no laws have been changed at this point, many people are hoping to get the ball rolling to reform the laws. Whichever outlook you may have concerning the issue, please be aware that with driving any vehicle on the streets comes a great responsibility. Because of the small size of mopeds, their drivers can often be more vulnerable than other vehicles on the road. A moped crash has the potential to have devastating results. In order to avoid injury, it is never a bad idea to wear a helmet and drive with caution, particularly when operating a moped.

To get more specific information or counsel, talk to an Indiana accident attorney or law firm.