DC moped drivers flouting traffic laws frustrates many
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The sight of mopeds around the District are plentiful. But many people say that the drivers don’t always follow the rules of the road.
The constant stream of complaints involving mopeds zooming in and out of traffic, running stop signs and illegally traveling in bike lanes and on sidewalks has garnered the attention of some members of D.C. City Council.
Council members Brianne Nadeau and Charles Allen have proposed legislation that would require renters and sellers to register their mopeds and require insurance.
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Some residents of the District said they are fed up with the mopeds drivers who are usually driving for food delivery services.
“It makes the experience of driving in D.C., which is already stressful for me, a little more stressful,” said Susie Saffari, who lives in the District. “Because I’ve had a lot of people kind of like weaving in and out between cars.”
According to the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles, there are 93 mopeds registered so far this year. Last year there were 143 registered compared to the 54 in 2022.
“The mopeds are everywhere,” said Jackie Stein of D.C., who expressed concern about some drivers not wearing helmets or hogging sidewalk space with pedestrians.
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Stein said that mopeds should be regulated by the city government.
“I do think as I need a driver’s license to have a car, you should have some regulation to be able to drive a moped,” Stein added.
Keith Anderson, the deputy mayor for operations and management, stated that city government is “committed to the safety” of residents.
“Drivers of motor-driven cycles must follow the rules of the road. For example, they must obey traffic signals, obey the speed limit, wear a helmet, and not ride on sidewalks and bike lanes,” Anderson said in a statement. “They must also be properly licensed, registered and insured.”
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Anderson stated that District officials are carrying out “targeted public engagement and education so that drivers and vendors of motor-driven cycles understand their rules and responsibilities.”
Felipe Souza said he follows the rules of the road when riding his moped driver. He said that he knows many of his peers do not.
“People drive like crazy,” Souza said. “It’s not good for population.”
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