Operators who drive unlicensed scooters capable of going more than 30 miles per hour or have engines of 50cc or more will soon begin receiving warnings from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department to comply with state motor vehicle regulations.

A month long enforcement is expected to begin next week, according to Sergeant Richard White.

The enforcement comes as motorist complaints about scooter operators grow in the city — from cutting them off in traffic to insurance issues following crashes with uninsured scooter operators.

State law requires that scooters with an engine displacement of 50cc or more or scooters under the 50cc threshold that can travel more than 30 miles per hour be licensed and inspected and their operators carry liability insurance and have the proper motorcycle endorsement, White said. “If it cannot travel faster than 30 miles per hour then it is a moped. It doesn’t have to be licensed.”

If the scooter is classified as a moped then its operators must follow the same rules as bicyclists.

If the scooter’s engine displacement is 50cc or more or can travel more than 30 miles per hour then it is classified as a motorcycle.

“The majority we’re seeing are capable of 30 miles per hour or more,” White said.

Under the enforcement, officers will issue warnings to scooter operators who are not complying with the law and keep that information on file. Those not complying with the law must get their scooters inspected, buy insurance an get the proper endorsement. “After 30 days we will start issuing citations and you will have to be compliant. Once you’re warned, that’s your warning,” White said.

Complaints have ranged from non-licensed scooters riding in the travel lane to a non-licensed scooter passing a motorist on Roanoke Avenue. There have been several wrecks involving scooters and motorists.

White and other administrators within the police department are aware there will be mixed feelings about the enforcement. “I think the general motoring population will be happy,” he said.

The Halifax County District Attorney’s Office was informed of the enforcement and backs it. “We’re not trying to make it hard on people getting around,” White said, “We’re here for them to be in compliance for safety reasons.”