New Maryland vehicle laws will take effect on October 1, 2012, that requires all motor scooters and mopeds be titled and insured.
All drivers and passengers of scooters and mopeds will be required to wear helmets that meet safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. They must also wear eye protection unless the vehicle is equipped with a windscreen.
Scooters and mopeds will be required to be titled by the Motor Vehicle Administration. When the title is obtained, it must be displayed as a decal on the rear of the vehicle. Further, owners must insure their vehicles with at least the minimum vehicle liability insurance and carry proof with them whenever they operate the vehicles.
Rules of the road are as follows: drivers must ride as near to the right side of the road as is practical and safe, except when they are making a left turn, operating on a one-way street, passing a stopped or slower-moving vehicle, avoiding pedestrians and road hazards, operating in a lane too narrow for a bicycle or scooter and another vehicle to travel safely side by side, or when the right lane is a right turn only lane.
Drivers are only allowed to ride side by side if traffic flow is unimpeded and must exercise due care when passing. Headsets or earplugs in both ears are not permitted. Scooters or mopeds may not operate at more than 30 mph and drivers must choose to use a bike lane or paved shoulder of the road if they are available. They must also obey any other rule of the road applicable to all vehicles.
