The Manager's report back on enforcement of moped registration requirements and enforcement data

Ref.:

Awaiting Report 19-41 Re: Enforcement of Moped Registration Requirements and Enforcement Numbers Dear Sir:

The purpose of this response is to address Awaiting Report 19-41, whereby it was requested that the Cambridge Police Department Cambridge provide a report on how moped registration requirements are enforced, along with data on traffic violations issued to moped operators.

We have compiled the following information in response to this order:  In 2018 the department issued 32 citations for moped violations. Under Massachusetts law (MGL Ch. 90 s. 1 B/D) covers all violations by moped operators.  In 2019 year to date, 4 citations have been issued. Most citations are issued during the summer months.  Citations are generally for both a traffic violation (i.e., red light violation) as well as for unregistered  Several of the officers who are most active in moped enforcement report that “the majority” of mopeds they stop are not properly registered  The RMV’s moped registration process relies on the owner to provide accurate information on their application. This self-reported information receives an RMV stamp and becomes the actual registration.  Officers are not able to verify registration stickers in real time from the RMV. Requests are done offline and usually returned the next day  Officers report that many moped operators are misinformed about the requirements to obtain a registration sticker from the selling dealer. There appears to be confusion about the difference of obtaining a license plate (not required for mopeds) and the requirement to obtain a registration sticker ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO 125 SIXTH STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 02142 While state law requires mopeds to display a valid registration sticker, there is no similar provision for scooters. Unless an officer can visually identify a motorized bike as a moped without a visible registration sticker, they require an underlying reason for the stop (stop sign, crosswalk violation, etc.). Without examining engine markings many mopeds and scooters are indistinguishable from each other. While mopeds may be operated in a marked bicycle lane, scooters are not permitted. It is difficult for officers to find a registration sticker on a moving motorized bike at night and when the bike is headed towards them. There is also confusion among some officers over the proliferation of new types of motorized bicycles including “e-bikes” and motorized rental scooters like Bird.

The MassDOT and Executive Office of Public Safety publishes a law enforcement guide for enforcement of moped and scooter laws. The RMV updates their list of mopeds and scooters on a regular basis which they make available online. The Municipal Police Training Council also issues a training document to assist officers with enforcement. The department will reissue a training notice to all personnel with links to all relevant support and training material. This information will also be reinforced in upcoming roll call briefings.

Additionally, the Police Department will continue to work with Traffic Parking & Transportation to monitor this data and develop education and public awareness campaigns promoting safe riding practices for all types of motorized land conveyances.

I hope you find this response satisfactory, and if there are any additional questions, information needed or concerns regarding this matter, please let me know.

Sincerely, Dr. Branville, G. Bard, Jr.

Police Commissioner