Wednesday May 22

Driving

Motorized Scooters Banned

Driving
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New regulation:

Applies to any "motorized vehicle that is self-propelled by a motor or engine," whether it be gas or electric, and can reach the speed of up to 50 mph, are banned on any kind of public land - that includes parks and alleys - and can only be used on private property with the written consent of the owner… according to the ordinance

 

Those who violate the rules will be subject to a traffic Glossary Link citation, just as drivers who speed or fail to yield at a stoplight are. And parents whose children are cited are just as liable - even if they didn't know their kids were using the skateboards in an inappropriate manner, or place.

 

 

See also: MOTORIZED SKATEBOARDS for more information about motorized skateboards.

 

Motorized Skateboards

Driving
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Motorized skateboard use is primarily covered by city laws. In general, city laws require riders to be at least 14 years old, follow traffic signs and rules and wear a helmet while riding a motorized skateboard.
The Phoenix City Council approved a ban on ALL motorized skateboards, scooters and motorized play vehicles. They cannot be operated on public right of ways, including ALL streets and sidewalks.
No person can operate a toy vehicle (less than 5 horsepower) on city streets (Section 19-23). Tempe City codes also state that no person other than the owner of the motorized skateboard is authorized to ride it and that no passengers are allowed on it.
· Prohibits the operation of any motorized skateboard by any person under 14
· requires children 14 and over to carry a consent form signed by their parents at all times while riding it
· restricts the operation of motorized skateboards on city streets to daylight hours (not before 7 am and not after 8pm)
· restricts the speed of motorized skateboards to 25 miles per hour
· prohibits carrying of passengers when the motorized skateboard is in motion
· prohibits riding a motorized skateboard in a crosswalk
· prohibits the operators of motorized skateboards from causing excessive noise
· requires all motorized skateboard operators under 18 years old to wear helmets
· Violation of this city law is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2500 and six months in jail.
· Parental permission form is required to be carried at all times by children riding motorized skateboards.
· Children under 14 are prohibited from riding motorized skateboards.
· Prohibits riding motorized skateboards on sidewalks and on any private property where owners prohibit it.
· Motorized skateboards cannot go on roads with speed limits over 30 miles per hour and can only be operated from 7am to 8pm.
· Users cannot carry fuel or any other packages while riding it, nor alter the fuel system by adding fuel packs.
· Mesa also requires motorized skateboard riders under 18 to wear a helmet, shoes (no sandals!) and goggles.
· Violations can result in a fine of up to $300.
Check with your local police department to find out about laws concerning motorized skateboards in your community.

Possession of Alcohol

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Is is against the law for a person under the legal drinking age (which is 21) to buy, receive, have in possession, or consume alcohol.(ARS 4-244).

If you have or use alcohol when you are under the age of 21, you may be put on probation, have your driving privileges suspended, or pay fines or damages.

Seatbelts

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The law says that everyone in the front seat of a vehicle has to wear a seat belt. Sometimes a seat belt is called a vehicle restraint. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure that any passenger in the front seat under the age of sixteen uses the vehicle restraint. (ARS 28-909)

This includes the following:

  • Have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.
  • If only a lap belt is installed where the occupant is sitting, have the lap belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.

Learner's Permit

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Did you know that if you are under 18 years of age, you need the consent and signature of an Glossary Link adult to apply for a permit and that the adult can be held responsible and liable should something happen while you are operating a motor vehicle?  Under the law, a person who signs the application of a Glossary Link minor for a permit or license can be held responsible and liable for damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of a minor while driving a motor vehicle.

Applying for a Permit: A.R.S. §28-3154

  1. You must be at least 15 years and 7 months to apply for a permit for a Class D driver’s license. Beginning on January 1, 2000 you will be need to apply for a permit for a Class G Driver’s license. (House Bill 2438 changes the driver’s license for 16-18 year-olds from a Class D to a Class G license. This goes into effect on January 1, 2000.)
  2. You must pass a written exam to obtain a permit.
  3. A permit only entitles you, the permittee, to drive a motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle, on public highways for 12 months. While you are driving you must:

    A.   Have your permit in your possession.
    B.  Be accompanied by a person with a driver’s license.
    C.  Have the licensed driver sitting beside you while you are driving.

  4. You must be at least 15 years and 7 months old to apply for a permit for a Class M license which is to operate a motorcycle (ARS 28-3156).
  5. A permit for a Class M license is valid for 6 months.

Cancellation of license: A.R.S. §28-3162
A person or parent who signs that application of a minor for a drivers license may file a written request to cancel the driver license of a minor.

Unlicensed minor liability: A.R.S. §28-3163
An owner or owners of a motor vehicle who causes or who knowingly permits an unlicensed minor to drive a vehicle on a highway or who gives and or furnishes a motor vehicle to an unlicensed minor are liable, along with the minor for damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the minor in driving the vehicle.

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