Moped Laws Nc

Live Wire: Mopeds can go on public roads

Q: Where are mopeds and scooters supposed to operate? Are these unlicensed, uninsured vehicles supposed to ride along on the shoulder or on sidewalks? I know people drive them all over the open road like a car and they hold up traffic because they're slow and carelessly operated. I think they're only supposed to go 25 mph but I've seen them on the All American Freeway. - C.M., Fayetteville

A: And they're there legally.

Both mopeds and scooters are permitted on state roads as long as they're operated in accordance with the law.

But different laws apply, depending on the machine. There are fewer restrictions on mopeds because of their limited power - a moped's motor can't exceed 50 cubic centimeters and it can't propel the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 mph on a level surface.

As long as that's the case, mopeds don't have to be insured or registered to be operated on the road. Their drivers don't have to be licensed, though they must be at least 16 years old and, if they're on a state road, drivers and passengers must wear helmets.

While scooters resemble mopeds, they have larger engines and can achieve higher speeds. As a result, they're regulated like motorcycles - that is, they must be registered and insured and their drivers must be licensed (and helmeted).

Operators of mopeds and scooters must obey all traffic laws.

Q: There's a one-story brick building with dark windows that's surrounded by an iron fence at the corner of Ravenhill Road and Executive Place. It has a guarded gate and no signs. What is it? - P.P., Fayetteville

A: If we tell you, we'll have to ... well, tell you.

So here goes.

The building is being used by a Department of Defense organization that shall remain nameless - because we don't know its name. Said organization needed access to telecommunications networks on Fort Bragg, according to post spokesman Ben Abel. It set up shop in the building in question because there wasn't a facility on post that was readily available.

That's all we know - and all he says he knows.

Q: How can I write to Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers? - S.A., Southern Pines

A: The wide receiver is still a Panther - for now - so you can write to him in care of the team at 800 South Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28202.

But if you're a fan, you know there's talk that he may be traded by the team once the NFL lockout is over.

Man on moped faces North Carolina DWI charge after alleged chase ...

Iredell County law enforcement claims a police chase ended with a North Carolina DWI arrest early Sunday morning. The chase involved a deputy and a 56-year-old man allegedly driving a moped. The deputy reportedly saw the man weaving on his moped and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. When the deputy activated the lights on the cruiser, police say the man on the moped continued traveling.

Law enforcement claims the man pulled into a parking lot in front of a convenience store. In the lot, the man turned around on his moped and exited the lot, heading toward the Interstate. The deputy continued after the man as the moped entered Interstate 40 eastbound, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Office.

At some point on the Interstate, the moped rider's helmet reportedly flew off. The moped driver continued along the Interstate to another exit. Law enforcement followed the moped into a second convenience store parking lot. The man stopped his moped temporarily until law enforcement approached, according to the Sheriff's Office.

As the deputy approached the driver in the parking lot, police say the man attempted to take off a second time. The deputy reportedly grabbed the moped driver's arm and pulled him from the moped. The man reportedly was placed under arrest.

The moped driver submitted a breath sample. Police say the man had a breath alcohol content of .23, above the North Carolina limit of .08.

The man reportedly is facing a number of charges related to the allegations surrounding the police chase. The 56-year-old is charged with DWI, eluding arrest, resisting arrest , careless and reckless driving, failure to stop and driving a moped without a helmet.

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