Spring is in the air. As we move into the warmer months of the year, we will see more people out and about taking advantage of the weather by walking, jogging, running and bicycling around town. With these activities, it becomes more important for the motoring public to use caution and share the road as they drive.
It is also important for people who are riding their bicycles to keep in mind that they must follow the law. Bicyclists must ride with traffic and obey all traffic laws also. This includes stopping at traffic lights, stop signs and signaling when they turn, etc. It is also important that those who are walking or running use the sidewalks and not the streets. They should always wear reflective clothing or shoes. These are important safety tips that will keep them safe. We also have areas in our beautiful city parks that citizens can use to walk or run.
I want to also remind citizens that in 2018 a new law in South Carolina has moped drivers under more regulations that will keep them safe when they hit the roads.
On November 19, 2018, a new law went into effect mandating that mopeds in the state of South Carolina must be registered and have a license plate when being operated on roadways. We in law enforcement have seen an increase of people operating mopeds on the roadways, which also means the possibility of more moped accidents that can occur. It has become necessary to place more regulations on moped operators to keep them safe during operation.
According to the new law, for someone to get a moped license, they must be at least 15 years old. It is optional to title a moped through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Drivers do not have to carry insurance and moped owners do not owe property taxes to the county in which they live to register their moped.
The new law requires all mopeds be registered with the state DMV, which will cost the moped owner $10 every two years. It also requires drivers get a license plate for their moped, and anyone under the age of 21 driving or riding a moped must wear a helmet.
I also remind moped drivers that they are subject to the laws of the road, which means they can be cited for traffic violations just like any other driver on the road, which includes being arrested for driving under the influence.
Speaking of driving, there is still a great deal of construction that continues to occur around the city. With growth and progress comes construction. I encourage everyone to have patience and keep these brave workers in mind when they travel. Use caution when you approach construction zones. Lower your speed and be on the lookout for equipment that may be being used to complete the work.
As always, the men and women of the Newberry Police Department would like everyone to be safe and enjoy the time that they spend outside in our wonderful and beautiful city. We strive to give informative tips to keep everyone safe.
Have a great spring and enjoy!