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Before you begin riding a moped or scooter on the streets of Iowa, there are some things that you need to know. Specifically, you need to know about relevant laws that will apply to you, and you need to know how a personal injury case will work if you are hurt in a moped or scooter crash.
Important Iowa Moped Laws
In Iowa, a moped is defined as a motorized bicycle that:
- Has a single seat for the operator (and cannot carry passengers)
- Has no more than three wheels on the ground
- Cannot exceed 39 mph, and can travel at least 20 mph while going up a 3% incline
If your vehicle meets this description, then you must comply with the licensing, registration, and insurance requirements established by the State of Iowa.
Iowa Moped Licensing Requirements
If you are over the age of 18 and you have a valid driver’s license, then you do not need any additional license or endorsement to operate a moped legally. If you are under the age of 18 or if you do not have a driver’s license, then the Iowa Department of Transportation requires that:
- You are at least 14 years old
- You pass a vision screening and a knowledge test
- In some cases, you also may be required to pass a skills test
- If you are under the age of 16, that you take a moped safety course
- If you are under the age of 18, that you have parental consent
Iowa Moped Insurance and Registration Requirements
In Iowa, you must have a manufacturer’s certification stating that the vehicle meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. With this information, you may register your moped at your county’s treasurer’s office. You must display your license plate on the back of your moped.
Additionally, you are required to purchase motor vehicle insurance and to carry proof of insurance with you whenever you are operating your moped.
Moped Safety Laws
Moped drivers are required to follow the rules of the road, just like other drivers do. Additionally, moped drivers are required by Iowa law:
- Not to carry passengers
- Not to carry anything that prevents two hands from being on the handle grips
- Not to travel more than two abreast in a single travel lane
- Not to travel between traffic lanes or rows of vehicles
- To strap down heavy cargo
- To have a day-glow orange safety flag on the rear of the vehicle
- To have a headlight on at all times when on a public road
Helmets are not required but are encouraged by the state.
How a Moped Accident Case Works
If you are hurt in a moped crash that was caused by someone else’s negligence, then you have the right to pursue a fair and just recovery. However, you must do so before your time to file a personal injury lawsuit expires.
You can begin taking action today by contacting an experienced Iowa personal injury attorney. An attorney can gather the necessary evidence for your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and make sure that your complaint is filed in court before the statute of limitations expires.
The personal injury lawyers of Hupy and Abraham provide the best possible representation for our clients from the beginning of a case through to the conclusion. We provide personal attention to each of our clients, and insurance companies know that we mean business.
If you hire us to represent you in an Iowa moped accident injury case, then we will do everything that we can to help you recover compensation for your medical costs, out-of-pocket costs, lost income, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other damages. We encourage you to contact us today to find out about our “win or it is free guarantee” and to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation in one of our conveniently located Iowa offices. If you can’t come to see one of our lawyers in our Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, or Quad Cities office, then we will come to you. Call us or fill out our online contact form now to learn more.
