Spring Break
'Rules of the road' still important, offenses rare
Convenience, smoother laws intice scooter ownership
DENECHIA POWELL For the Red & Black
Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Scooters are "kind of a big deal" on the University's campus in the aftermath of two Georgia football players' arrests.
Caleb King and NaDerris Ward were both arrested this summer for illegally driving scooters.
www.dds.ga.gov/drivers
www.moped2.org/laws/Georgia
http://www.parking.uga.edu
University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said he has seen the popularity of scooters rise. The current scooter trend began about three years ago, he said.
However, scooters aren't much of a problem for law enforcement, Williamson said.
"With scooters, we don't see the amount of violations as we do with cars, but we do issue a number of citations for people not using the rules of the road," Williamson said.
Keturah Spence, a junior from Waynesboro, said she has noticed the increasing popularity of scooters.
"It's an incentive to go to class and get there on time," Spence said.
Sammy Dewald, a senior from Athens, said he believes scooters are a favorite because they are a convenient mode of transportation.
Georgia has laws for scooter operation, making them easier to own than other vehicles.
To operate a scooter, a person must be at least 15 years old with a valid driver's license, instructional permit or limited permit, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
When riding a scooter, headgear must be worn and driving is not allowed on roadways where the minimum speed limit exceeds 35 mph, according to state law.
Riders should use a designated path or sidewalk if one is available. Except in designated bicycle areas, two people cannot ride together on a scooter.
While a scooter requires no license tag, drivers must obey the same traffic laws as drivers of other vehicles.
The University's rules concerning scooters are simple.
Owners must use a serial number to register with Parking Services. They should have a University permit that is visible at all times. On campus, scooters must be parked in designated spaces. Violations can be met with citations, booting or towing.
The University enforces these rules. Spence, who received a citation for parking in a bicycle rack last spring, said that they are too strict.
Williamson said riders need to realize how important it is for them to follow traffic laws.
He said he believes University Police are accountable for enforcing, regardless of the person in violation of the law.
"We don't look at it as male or female or football or non-football," he said. "If we see a traffic violation, we either issue a citation or a written warning."
Caleb King and NaDerris Ward were both arrested this summer for illegally driving scooters.
LEGAL MUMBOJUMBO
For more infornation on scooter and moped laws and ordiances, visit:www.dds.ga.gov/drivers
www.moped2.org/laws/Georgia
http://www.parking.uga.edu
University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said he has seen the popularity of scooters rise. The current scooter trend began about three years ago, he said.
However, scooters aren't much of a problem for law enforcement, Williamson said.
"With scooters, we don't see the amount of violations as we do with cars, but we do issue a number of citations for people not using the rules of the road," Williamson said.
Keturah Spence, a junior from Waynesboro, said she has noticed the increasing popularity of scooters.
"It's an incentive to go to class and get there on time," Spence said.
Sammy Dewald, a senior from Athens, said he believes scooters are a favorite because they are a convenient mode of transportation.
Georgia has laws for scooter operation, making them easier to own than other vehicles.
To operate a scooter, a person must be at least 15 years old with a valid driver's license, instructional permit or limited permit, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
When riding a scooter, headgear must be worn and driving is not allowed on roadways where the minimum speed limit exceeds 35 mph, according to state law.
Riders should use a designated path or sidewalk if one is available. Except in designated bicycle areas, two people cannot ride together on a scooter.
While a scooter requires no license tag, drivers must obey the same traffic laws as drivers of other vehicles.
The University's rules concerning scooters are simple.
Owners must use a serial number to register with Parking Services. They should have a University permit that is visible at all times. On campus, scooters must be parked in designated spaces. Violations can be met with citations, booting or towing.
The University enforces these rules. Spence, who received a citation for parking in a bicycle rack last spring, said that they are too strict.
Williamson said riders need to realize how important it is for them to follow traffic laws.
He said he believes University Police are accountable for enforcing, regardless of the person in violation of the law.
"We don't look at it as male or female or football or non-football," he said. "If we see a traffic violation, we either issue a citation or a written warning."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Charles R
posted 8/17/07 @ 12:32 PM EST
To be very clear, if the engine size of the scooter is *LESS* than 50 cc, then it does not need to be insured and registered (IOWs, you don't need to get a tag for it). (Continued…)
Post a Comment