Transportation Devices And The Rules Governing Their Use

The City of Mesa Police Department wants to keep you informed on the rules of the road governing the following types of transportation devices.
 

SCOOTERS

Children commonly use these human powered devices. Operators must follow the same rules of the road as
pedestrians. The riders are subject to traffic control signals at intersections, crosswalk rules, must use sidewalks when
available, and ride facing traffic when no sidewalks. It is legal to ride them on private property, sidewalks or crosswalks.

Laws governing these are found under:
ARS 28-101.40 (Pedestrian)
ARS 28-791
ARS 28-796
 

BICYCLES

These are vehicles with 3 or fewer wheels, human powered and also include racing wheelchairs. Riders are granted all the rights and are subject to all duties of a motor vehicle, so riding on the sidewalk is illegal.  Riders must also ride on the right side of the roadway or designated bike lanes. At nighttime, bicycles must have a white light to the front and red reflector on rear.

Laws governing these are found under:
ARS 28-101.6
ARS 28-812
ARS 28-815C
ARS 28-817
 

MOPEDS

This is a bicycle that is equipped with a helper motor. It must have pedals and be capable of operating as a bicycle. Maximum speed is 25 MPH. When motor is engaged, operators must have a driver’s license, registration ($5.00 decal from MVD) and insurance. It may drive on the roadway but not in bike paths when motor is engaged and must obey all traffic laws.

Laws governing these are found under:
ARS 28-101.30
ARS 28-2513
ARS 28-4135
 

MOTORIZED SKATEBOARDS

These are self-propelled devices that have a motor, deck and 2 tandem wheels (one in front of the other) in contact with the ground. Although not a motor vehicle (no driver’s license, registration or insurance required), motorized skateboard riders must obey all traffic laws in addition to City Codes that restrict their operation.

According to Mesa City Code 10-1-18, NOBODY under 14 years-old may operate this vehicle on the roadway. It can not be operated on sidewalks or on a roadway with a speed limit greater than 30 MPH, and must be operated during the daylight hours of 7 AM – 8 PM. Carrying of passengers & packages are prohibited. Notarized written permission from parents of 14 to 18 year olds is required. All riders must use eye protection and a helmet is required for drivers under the age of 18. All traffic laws apply.

Laws governing these are found under:
ARS 28-101.32.b(i)
ARS 28-904
ARS 28-101.52
City Code 10-1-18
 

MOTOR DRIVEN CYCLES / POCKETBIKES

These are motorcycles, including a motor scooter with a motor that produces not more than 5 horsepower. If driven on private property there are no license requirements; however DUI, accidents and reckless driving laws apply. On roadway, these cycles and operators must meet all the requirements of a motorcycle including registration, driver’s license “M” endorsement, insurance, and eye protection. Helmets are required on riders under 18 years. These vehicles are not authorized for freeway use and must be driven on private property unless rider meets all above motorcycle requirements. All traffic laws must be obeyed.

Laws governing these are found under:
ARS 28-101.31
ARS 28-3151.A
ARS 28-964
ARS 28-733
 

MOTORCYCLES

These are motor vehicles that have a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and are designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. Riders must have valid drivers license with motorcycle (M) endorsement, registration, insurance and eye protection. Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Motorcycles are permitted on the roadway and must obey all traffic laws as any other vehicle on the roadway. Splitting traffic in Arizona is illegal.

Laws governing these are found under:
ARS 28-101-34
ARS 28-964
ARS 28-3151.A
ARS 28-4135.C
 

OFF ROAD RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (ATV)

This is a motor vehicle that is designed primarily for recreational non-highway all terrain travel. It has 3 or more low pressure tires, a seat, and handlebars. It is permitted on private property with no legal requirements except DUI, reckless driving and accidents. To operate on the roadway the driver and vehicle must meet all other requirements such as registration, drivers license, and insurance and obey all applicable traffic laws. If the ATV has three wheels the driver must have a class “M” endorsement on his driver’s license. An Off-road plate is available, however, a street legal registration is required for roadway use.

Laws governing these are found in:
ARS 28-101.3
ARS 28-964
 

NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLE / GOLF CART

A golf cart is a motor vehicle with not less than 3 wheels capable of a speed no greater than 25 MPH and carries no more than 4 people including the driver. On private property, such as golf courses, no requirements are needed including crossing the roadway incident to golf play.

A neighborhood electric vehicle must be emission free, carry 4 or fewer persons, operate at less than 25-MPH, and have 4 wheels. It shall not be operated on a roadway posted at more than 35-MPH, except to cross such a road.

Both must be registered and insured and the driver must be licensed if operated on the roadway.

Laws governing these are found in:
ARS 28-101.23 (Golf Cart)
ARS 28-101.35 (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)
ARS 28-2153
ARS 28-966
 

ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICE (SEGWAY©)

This is a self-balancing two non-tandem wheeled device with a motor and maximum speed of 15 MPH capable of transporting only one person. This vehicle may only transport one person and travel as a pedestrian would travel. Must follow laws regarding pedestrian duties. It has no registration or insurance requirements and can travel on private property, sidewalks and crosswalks.

Laws governing these are found in:
ARS 28-101.20
 

MOTORIZED WHEEL CHAIR

This is a self-propelled wheelchair that is used by a person for mobility. May transport one person, as a pedestrian would travel. It is permitted on private property, sidewalks and crosswalks. Must follow laws regarding pedestrian duties. They have no registration or insurance requirements.

Laws governing these are found in:
ARS 28-101.32b(ii)
 

Fines for violations outlined in this brochure can range from $80 up to $585.50!
This information is courtesy of the Mesa Police Department’s Traffic Division.
Any questions can be answered by calling:
(480) 644-3533