Starting on Monday, there were some big changes for MAIF and for Marylanders who ride motor scooters and mopeds. A new law went into effect on October 1, requiring owners of these vehicles to insure them.
And for the first time in our thirty-nine year history, MAIF is able to provide insurance to our two-wheeled neighbors, including motorcycles. Our insurance coverage for scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles was just finalized last week, and approved by the Maryland Insurance Administration. We will have details available very soon.
In addition to the insurance requirement, mopeds and scooters will require a title and title sticker from the MVA.
According to the final wording of this law, the MVA will charge $20 for the Title certificate fee, and the sticker will cost $5. You can purchase the title and sticker online at the MVA store. If you purchased your scooter or moped prior to October 2, 2012 and obtain your title by October 2, 2013, the certificate fee will be waived and you will only have to pay the five dollar fee for the sticker.
The law also makes helmets mandatory for riders, as well as protective eyewear if the bike doesn’t have a windshield.
Drivers will also need to have a valid driver’s license or moped operator’s license. However, this is not a new development related to this law. Scooters have always required a valid driver’s license.
Law enforcement personnel across the state have been brought up to speed on this new law, and will make it a point of emphasis in the coming weeks. Don’t chance it, or you will face the following fines:
- Driving a scooter or moped without insurance: $290
- Riding without helmet: $110
- Riding without protective eyewear or a windshield: $110
- No title sticker: $70
The Maryland General Assembly estimates that there are roughly 3,500 scooters and mopeds on Maryland’s roads. Please help get the word out to anyone you know who rides one. No one wants to find out about a new law by being pulled over for breaking it.
Through November 1, police will issue warnings for these offenses. But don’t wait. After November 1, violators will receive a citation and fine.
If you have questions about motorcycle, moped or motor scooter coverage, please contact MAIF at 800-492-7120. Or visit our website and click Get MAIF Insurance to find a MAIF Provider near you.
