State Rep. Dave Wolkins (R-Warsaw) authored legislation concerning registration and operation of motor driven cycles, which passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Monday with a 81-14 vote.

House Bill 1343 replaces Indiana’s obsolete mo-ped laws and establishes license and registration requirements.

“HB 1343 aims to hold operators of motor driven cycles accountable and keep motorists safe,” said Rep. Wolkins. “Requiring motor driven cycles to be registered with the BMV will allow law enforcement to accurately access penalties to operators.”

The bill categorizes motor driven cycles into two classes. Class A motor driven cycles are those that have a cylinder capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or greater and Class B are those with a capacity less than 50 cc.

HB 1343 requires individuals who operate a Class A motor driven cycle to hold a valid driver’s license and have insurance, while those operating a Class B cycle must have a motor driven cycle endorsement on a state-issued ID card. There is no insurance requirement for Class B operators.

Both classes require owners to register their motor driven cycle with the BMV and display a license plate. Class A and B motor driven cycles have different color license plates which will allow law enforcement to more clearly determine their categories.

“The provision that Class B motor driven cycles may be used by those with temporarily suspended vehicle privileges will provide those individuals with alternate transportation, enabling them to keep their jobs, support their families and get back on track,” said Rep. Wolkins.

This legislation will also generate additional state revenue from the collection of new motor driven cycle registrations and excise taxes.

“It is important that we give law enforcement the tools to better determine and define categories of motor driven cycles,” said Rep. Wolkins. “The ultimate goal is safety – of both the operators and those who are also on the road.”

HB 1343 will now be considered by the Senate for further discussion and debate.