A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to eliminate the speed limit for mopeds, require a drivers license for moped operators under eighteen years of age operating mopeds with a motor that has a piston DISPLACEMENT of fifty cubic CENTIMETERS to one hundred fifty cubic centimeters, and to allow individuals eighteen years of age and OLDER to operate mopeds without a drivers license.
Whereas, the General Assembly finds that the operation of mopeds on public streets and highways is a normal activity; and
Whereas, the General Assembly also finds that the maximum speed limit for mopeds is 30 miles per hour on a level surface; and
Whereas, the General Assembly finds that the operation of mopeds on public streets and highways at such low speeds impedes the normal flow of traffic and creates a hazard to the motoring public; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 105‑164.3(22) reads as rewritten:
"§ 105‑164.3.  Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Article:
	…
(22)	Moped. – A vehicle that has two or three wheels, no external shifting device, and a motor that does not exceed 150 cubic centimeters piston displacement.
…."
SECTION 2.  G.S. 20‑10.1 reads as rewritten:
"§ 20‑10.1.  Mopeds.
It shall be unlawful for any person who is under the age of 16 years of age to operate a moped as defined in G.S. 105‑164.3 upon any highway or public vehicular area of this State. Any person less than 18 years of age operating a moped upon any highway or public vehicular area of this State with a motor that has a piston displacement of greater than 50 cubic centimeters and up to 150 cubic centimeters must be licensed by the Division pursuant to G.S. 20‑11 to operate a motor vehicle. Any person 18 years of age or older may operate a moped upon any highway or public vehicular area of this State without being licensed by the Division."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2008, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.