New laws will go into effect toward the registration and licensing of motor driven cycles (commonly referred to as “mopeds” or “scooters”) beginning Jan. 1, 2015. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles hosted a statewide conference call with reporters on Oct. 22 to discuss the new law. As part of the effort to educate the people of Indiana on the new laws, the bureau of motor vehicles also released its new video called “Motor Driven Cycle Rules of the Road.”

Beginning Jan. 1, an individual can get a license to either operate a Motor Driven Cycle-A or Motor Driven Cycle-B. The main defining difference, according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, between a Motor Driven Cycle-A and Motor Driven Cycle-B is that the former has an “engine that produces no more than five-brake horsepower,” while the latter possesses a “cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters.” Proper licensing and registration is required to operate a cycle of either classification.

Several difference were outlined between the two when it comes to operation. While operating a Motor Driven Cycle-B, a person must:

-Be at least 15 years of age.

-Refrain from driving on the interstate, highway or sidewalk.

-Never have a passenger riding with them.

-Refrain from exceeding the speed of 35 miles per hour.

For both Motor Driven Cycle-A and Motor Driven Cycle-B operators, the following rules apply:

-Anyone under 18 years of age must wear a helmet.

-The operator must remain in a position astride the seat.

-Headlamps must be illuminated while operating.

-No packages may be carried in hand while operating.

-Must operate near right hand edge of roadway unless passing another vehicle or preparing to turn left.

In order to receive licensing to operate a Motor Driven Cycle-A, an individual must have one of the following:

-A valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement that has a MDC-A restriction.

-A valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.

-A valid driver’s license and a valid motorcycle learner’s permit.

In order to receive licensing to operate a Motor Driven Cycle-B, and individual must have one of the following:

-A valid driver’s license (no endorsement required).

-A valid driver’s permit (no endorsement required).

-A state of Indiana issued identification card with a MDC-B endorsement.

Individuals are required to have insurance if operating a Motor Driven Cycle-A, but not a Motor Driven Cycle-B. If an individual has yet to obtain an Motor Driven Cycle-A endorsement but would like to, they must complete the following:

-The motorcycle knowledge test to obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit.

-The motorcycle skills test on a Motor Driven Cycle-A.

-The vision screening.

For a Motor Driven Cycle-B endorsement, an Indiana driver’s license or learner’s permit is sufficient. If an individual has neither of these but would like to obtain an endorsement, they must successfully complete the Motor Driven Cycle-B written test.