With summer fast approaching, scooters are certainly a great way to get around, but to ensure everyone's safety, it's vital that users know, understand and follow the rules.
It is important to note that Municipal by-laws for scooters may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the by-laws of the community in which you are riding.
Scooters, also known as motor-driven cycles, are required to respect the same rules outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act when using New Brunswick roads.
Key provincial regulations to operate a scooter or motor-driven cycle include:
- You must be 14 years or older
- You must wear a helmet
- You must not be under the influence or drugs or alcohol
- You must ride alone (this includes no towing of another vehicle, cycle, or other devices, including another scooter)
- The scooter cannot be modified in any fashion
- Cannot exceed 60 km/h unless equipped with an adequate head lamp that can light a distance of 100 metres
- Must use roadways (cannot use any type of path or sidewalks)
"Some additional rules apply to people under the age of 18, for example, they would require a Class 9 licence as well as a parental consent, says Cpl. Hans Ouellette of the New Brunswick RCMP. As with any driven vehicle, users must signal their intentions at all times, either with a signal light or with hand and arm signals before turning."
Failure to follow the rules can endanger yourself and others, and can also be costly.
It is important to note that the Motor Vehicle Act prohibits anyone driving a scooter to carry passengers. Violating this important safety rule, can result in a traffic ticket and fine.
The New Brunswick RCMP would like to remind all motorists to share the road and drive safe. The public can assist in keeping dangerous drivers off the road by reporting them to police. To report unsafe riding behaviour, contact your local police. If you see a dangerous or a suspected impaired driver, call 911. Your description of the driver, vehicle, licence plate number and direction of travel can assist police in making New Brunswick roads safer.