Moped riders will face new requirements as of July 1
By From staff reports
Published in News on June 29, 2015 1:46 PM
A new state law goes into effect Wednesday requiring all moped operators to register their vehicle with the state Division of Motor Vehicles.
They also will be required to obtain a registration card and a license plate, which must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle at all times.
The law was ratified on Aug. 1, 2014, but does not become effective until Wednesday.
A second bill that would require moped owners to have insurance was ratified by the General Assembly last week and sent to Gov. Pat McCrory.
Under the law adopted last August, moped operators will be required to visit their local license plate agency for the registration process. The office locations can be found on the DMV website, http://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/locations.html.
The cost of registering each moped is $18 annually.
Several counties charge an additional transit tax -- Durham ($15), Orange ($15), Randolph ($1) and Wake ($5).
Operators must be 16 years of age or older and must have a valid N.C. driver license or state identification card along with the moped manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO).
If an operator does not have an MCO for their vehicle, the operator can fill out an Affidavit of Facts for the Registration of a Moped form (MVR-58) to serve as proof of ownership.
State statute defines a moped as having two or three wheels with an engine capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less, no external shifting device or the ability to exceed 30 miles per hour on a level surface.
To help customers determine if their vehicle falls within the moped category, DMV License and Theft Bureau inspectors will be available at most license plate agencies during the first week of issuance to answer questions. If a License and Theft Bureau inspector is not available, people can visit their nearest License and Theft Bureau District office.
Visit the DMV's website to find frequently asked questions and other information about registering and operating a moped.