HONOLULU (KHON2) – A new law is changing the rules for moped riders in Hawai‘i.
Sen. Stanley Chang (D – Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Āina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kāhala, Diamond Head, Kaimukī, Kapahulu) announced that Senate Bill 30 is now Act 222, bringing safety back to the roads.
Effective on June 25, anyone driving a moped must wear a helmet, and riders must be at least 16 years old.
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reports that more than 1,000 people have died in moped and motorcycle crashes over the past decade.
“In Hawaiʻi, we’ve seen far too many lives lost or forever changed by preventable moped accidents,” Sen. Chang explained.
Given that mopeds are involved in many of these accidents, city officials hope the new law will help prevent serious brain injuries and save lives.
“With this new law, we’re putting commonsense measures in place. These changes are proven to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. I deeply appreciate Gov. Green’s leadership and the many advocates who made this possible,” he added.
Under Act 222, anyone under 16 is not allowed to operate a moped.
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State officials said riders who break the law can be ticketed.