The city of Norfolk has been dealing with a recent influx of Bird and Lime scooters and mopeds, and while the city is currently impounding those scooters, it is important to note that Moped safety is something to always keep top of mind for comuters in Norfolk and Virginia Beach!

Mopeds make the perfect inner-city commuter vehicle. Their low-profile size makes them easy to park, electric motors make them efficient and cheap to use, and they allow motorists to bypass several fees in the registration process. But what else does the DMV of Virginia have to say about mopeds?

Registration and License:

Mopeds are defined by the Virginia code as any vehicle with less than three wheels that displaces less than 50 cc’s and has a seat that is less than 24 inches in height.

DMV will issue one license plate per moped to be placed on the rear of the vehicle. When titling a moped, you will be requested to complete a Moped Certification exam indicating how you intend to operate the vehicle. However, the DMV will not require/collect the following for mopeds:

• Electric vehicle fee
• Insurance
• Odometer reading
• Safety inspection
• Sales and use tax (You will still have to pay retail sales tax if you purchase a moped in Virginia; however, mopeds are exempt from personal property tax)

It is important to note that if a moped is operated in excess of 35 mph, it is considered a motorcycle. You would be required to comply with all motorcycle vehicle registration, insurance and inspection requirements.

Safety Requirements:

Due to the lack of safety devices installed on mopeds, the DMV of Virginia requires several safety precautions while operating one.

• Virginia law requires that every moped driver driving on Virginia roadways carry a government-issued photo ID (does not have to be a driver’s license)
• Every driver and passenger must wear a helmet while riding a moped. Drivers must also wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles unless the moped has a windshield.
• Operation of mopeds is prohibited on the interstate

Regarding DUI’s:

While under most circumstances, a moped is not considered a “motor vehicle” it is noted in the law as one when specifically referring to DWI and DUI offenses. So you cannot drive a moped while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

• It is illegal to drive a moped if your license is suspended or revoked for convictions of DUI, underage consumption of alcohol, refusing a blood/breath test, or driving while suspended/revoked for a DUI-related offense
• If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked due to a DUI-related conviction, you must be in full compliance with all requirements imposed by DMV and the court before operating a moped

If your license has been revoked and you cannot drive a moped, or you receive a DUI/DWI charge while driving a moped or any other motor vehicle, call The Decker Law Firm right now at 757-622-3317. Our long history and experience in criminal traffic violations and drunk driving charges can make the difference in the resolution of your individual case.

In the chaos of a car accident, you can be incapacitated, incoherent, or otherwise kept from contacting your emergency contacts. It is obviously important to notify loved ones of your condition and location in the event of a car accident or other emergency, but when incapacitated, it is impossible to do so.

In order to counteract this, the DMV of Virginia offers a special program to set and forget your emergency contact information so that it will be in the hands of those who can help exactly when they need it. The Emergency Contact Program is available to people with any valid Virginia driver’s license or ID card. Per the DMV website: “You can add, modify, or delete up to two emergency contacts at any time. Your information will be securely stored by DMV and will be accessible only by law enforcement in the event of an emergency.”

To enroll a minor under the age of 18, the parent or guardian will have to create a DMV pin for themselves, and then add the necessary information. Children under the age of 15 will need to have a child ID registered with the DMV.

In addition to the program offered by the DMV, you may want to utilize a special feature of the iPhone if you own one. iPhones can store emergency contact information and medical notes so that’s it’s accessible to anyone from your lock screen. On iOS version 8.0 and later, iOS products have an Apple Health app.

To add emergency information on your device:

1. Open the Apple Health app, which is installed on all iOS devices running iOS 8 and later. This app can’t be uninstalled.
2. Tap on Medical ID in the bottom right corner.
3. Tap Create Medical ID.
4. At the very top, make sure Show When Locked is turned on (to green). Fill in as much information as is relevant to you. If you have no known allergies or aren’t taking medication, it still helps to write “None” or “None known” so that medical personnel don’t assume you’ve overlooked these fields.
5. Make sure you assign at least one person as your emergency contact person. You must save that person’s name and phone number in your Contacts app for the Health app to be able to include it.
6. Hit Done to save.

To test that the app has worked properly, lock your phone. Now wake it up but don’t fully unlock it with the passcode or Touch ID (thumbprint). When you slide to get to the passcode screen, you should see Emergency at the bottom. Press it, and a new screen appears with a number keypad to dial, as well as Medical ID in the bottom left. Press Medical ID, and you’ll see your information appear along with a phone icon that, when pressed, will automatically dial your ICE contact.

In the aftermath of an serious auto accident, it is important to seek legal counsel. The Decker Law Firm knows the criminal justice system, and we can point out all your options. Our long history and experience in criminal traffic violations can make the difference in the resolution of your individual legal situation.

Slipping and falling on ice can be a scary experience. Ice can be difficult to see both at night and during the day. What looks like water pooled on the pavement can actually be a sheet of ice. You could step off the curb and right onto a slippery ice patch. You may be able to recover and only skid briefly, but severe injury can occur if you fall to the ground. Potential injuries from falls on ice can include, head injury, ankle strains and twists, and hip or back injuries.

Some ways to mitigate the chance of a falling injury around your home include:

• Keeping parking lots and sidewalks clean and in good repair condition.
• If snow is expected to fall, treat your walkways with ice or sand to inhibit freezing and encourage traction.
• If snow and ice are already present, remove or treat these elements. In some extreme cases, it may be necessary to suspend use of the area.
• Use adhesive striping material or anti-skid paint whenever necessary. This may include an outdoor deck or patio stairs that routinely freeze.
• Install proper lighting in areas with heavy foot traffic to make others aware of hazards and ice.

A slip-and-fall accident can cross over into negligence on the part of a business or homeowner. Here are a few points that will be considered when we decide whether or not you might have a case in a negligence claim related to your injury.

• How long was the hazard present? Had the danger been present long enough for the owner to become aware of the issue?
• Does the owner (or occupant) regularly clean and maintain the premises? Do they have proof?
• If your fall was caused by something placed or left on the ground, was there a reason for the item to be there?
• Could a barrier or warning been created that would have prevented you from falling?
• Did a lack of lighting contribute to your accident?

If you’ve been injured and believe that someone else’s negligence contributed to the incident, we are here and willing to help. The Decker Law Firm has over fifty years of experience, knowledge and plain, old-fashioned dedication to stick by you and fight for your rights. Call the personal injury attorneys of The Decker Law Firm right now at 757-622-3317.