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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowDrivers of motorized scooters in Indiana will face tighter regulations under a measure signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence.
The new law will require scooter operators to obtain license plates from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, have valid state ID and pass a road sign test. The new rules take effect in January.
Some legislators and police agencies have pushed for years for additional scooter regulations, although the new law won't require that scooter drivers have insurance as many had sought.
Evansville police Sgt. Jason Cullum told the Evansville Courier & Press the changes will have a positive impact.
The law keeps the minimum age to operate scooters at 15, while raising their maximum speed to 35 mph and banning them from interstates.
Cullum said last month that his department has seen scooters used in drug-dealing and drive-by shootings. Scooter accidents rose to 90 in the city in 2012, up from fewer than 10 in 2008. Authorities also say the vehicles are growing popular with those who have suspended driver's licenses.
Scooter dealers estimate there about 50,000 scooters in use across the state.
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