Ivo Labar Responds to Changes in Scooter, Moped Insurance Law

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 10, 2012

According to a recent article from The Washington Post, the state of Maryland has issued a new set of legislation designed to further regulate the use of mopeds and scooters. The article states, "Starting October 1st, owners will be required to title and insure their mopeds and scooters with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Drivers also must wear helmets and eye protection." Although scooters and mopeds have typically escaped regulations that apply to other vehicles, such as automobiles, Ivo Labar, partner at California-based law firm Kerr & Wagstaffe, notes that the trend in such laws is becoming more apparent all over the nation.

The article suggests that those who manufacture or sell mopeds--defined as "a bicycle that is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of a motor rated 1.5 brake horsepower or less, or, if a combustion engine, 50 cc or less"--question the new regulation, noting that it may affect the growing popularity of these low-maintenance vehicles. In addition to being cheaper than cars, many have turned to moped use because of its convenience, low-fuel costs and association with the green movement; they are particularly popular in areas plagued with high traffic or limited parking.

Ivo Labar notes that while some may be against the new laws, the costs will still prove minimal to consumers, and thus should not play a major role in curbing purchases. As the article explains, the $20 title fee will be waived for those who purchase a scooter or moped and receive the title before the law takes place. In addition, the separate title sticker fee is reported to only cost $5; however, drivers who purchase the vehicles after October 1, 2012 will be subject to pay all fees.

Although some may purchase a moped in hopes of escaping regulation that is associated with car ownership, Ivo Labar notes that these laws are not necessarily designed to hurt the industry or the consumer, but to increase safety among those operating the vehicles. Labar explains, "States are increasingly requiring additional safety precautions for two wheeled vehicles, an effort undoubtedly led by the liability insurance lobby that are seeking to increase safety and decrease payouts on claims."

ABOUT:

Ivo Labar is a partner at the Law Firm of Kerr & Wagstaffe, which is based in San Francisco, California. With the rest of the legal professionals at Kerr & Wagstaffe, Ivo Labar provides clients with guidance regarding diverse legal cases, including those tried by state and federal courts. Additionally, Ivo Labar and the rest of the Kerr & Wagstaffe team take on cases for plaintiffs and defendants. Labar is interested in a wide range of practice areas, but he specializes in complex litigation cases. Class action lawsuits, victims' rights, and insurance policyholder rights are of particular interest to Labar. Since starting his career, Labar has assisted clients in recovering over $25 million in settlements and verdicts. He graduated from the University of California Hastings College of the Law.

Website: http://ivolabar.com