Citizens reminded about Moped Registration

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens of new changes in the law requiring registration of mopeds. According to a release issued recently by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, beginning Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, every moped in South Carolina must have a valid license plate, registration decal and registration card to be legal to travel on the roads in the state. The requirement was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster in May of 2017. Moped owners in Oconee County can now register their mopeds at the SCDMV office, which is located at the intersection of Wells Highway and South Radio Station Road in Seneca during normal business hours. Moped owners can contact or speak with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles in regards to fees and paperwork that is required to register their mopeds. “I have instructed our deputies to extend a grace period through the end of November regarding this change in the law since the registration process did not start until Nov. 1, 2018,” according to Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “The law does not take effect until Nov. 19, 2018. Starting on Dec. 1, 2018, which is 11 days later, we will begin issuing citations for moped driver’s that do not have the proper tag and registration. The registration of these vehicles is no different than the laws requiring other motor vehicles traveling on the roads to be properly registered.” The charge of an improperly registered moped is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine of $200.