A. By a person who does not possess a valid license of any class or a license specially endorsed to operate a motorcycle, a motor-driven cycle or a moped; or

B. On an interstate highway or on a way on which a bicycle is prohibited.

Sec. 5. 29-A MRSA §2063, as amended by PL 1995, c. 371, §1, is further amended to read:

§2063. Bicycles, motorized scooters and toy vehicles

1. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, "bicycle" includes a motorized bicycle or a motorized tricycle, and "toy vehicle" includes, but is not limited to, motorized scooters, skateboards, rollerskates, wagons, sleds and coasters.

2. Riding to the right. A person operating a bicycle or motorized scooter shall ride it as far as practicable to the right side of the way, except when making a left turn. This subsection does not apply in a municipality that, by ordinance and with the approval of the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation, makes other provisions for the location of bicycle traffic and motorized scooter traffic.

3. Seating. A person operating a bicycle may not ride other than astride a regular and permanently attached seat. A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

4. Hitching rides. A person riding on a bicycle, motorized scooter or toy vehicle may not attach it to a moving vehicle on a way.

5. Rights and duties. A person riding a bicycle on a way has the rights and is subject to the duties applicable to the operator of a vehicle, except as to:

A. Special regulations; and

B. Provisions in this Title that by their nature can have no application.

6. Speed. A motorized bicycle or a motorized scooter may not be operated in excess of 20 miles per hour.

7. Penalties. A person 17 years of age or over who violates this section commits a traffic infraction with a maximum fine of for which a forfeiture of no more than $10 may be adjudged.

8. Impoundment. The chief of police of a municipality, or if there is no chief of police, the chair of the local legislative body, when satisfied that a juvenile under the age of 17 years has ridden a bicycle or motorized scooter in violation of this section, may impound the bicycle or motorized scooter for a period not to exceed 5 days for the first offense, 10 days for a 2nd offense and 30 days for a subsequent offense.

SUMMARY

This bill implements the recommendations of the Secretary of State and the Maine State Police regarding low-speed vehicles pursuant to Public Law 1999, chapter 660, section 4 and makes the following changes to the motor vehicle laws. The bill:

1. Defines golf cart;

2. Defines motorized scooter;

3. Adds golf carts as vehicles allowed to be registered and operated on islands that have no public ways maintained or supported by the State;

4. Specifies that golf carts may be operated on an island only if the municipality allows such operation and only on roads or streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less;

5. Prohibits the operation of a motorized scooter by a person who does not possess a valid license of any class or a license specially endorsed to operate a motorcycle, a motor-driven cycle or a moped;

6. Prohibits the operation of a motorized scooter on an interstate highway or on a way on which a bicycle is prohibited;

7. Requires an operator of a motorized scooter to ride it as far as practicable to the right side of the way, except when making a left turn;

8. Prohibits a person operating a motorized scooter from attaching it to a moving vehicle on a way;

9. Establishes a maximum speed limit of 20 miles per hour for a motorized scooter; and

10. Allows a municipality to impound a motorized scooter if the operator is under 17 years of age and is found in violation of the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2063.