The State newspaper reported Wednesday that a new prefiled bill would outlaw driving under the influence while on a moped. Currently mopeds are excluded from the definition of “motor vehicle” under South Carolina law.

The bill, H. 3163, amends the definition of motor vehicle to remove the exclusion of mopeds, thus making any use of a moped while driving under the influence illegal.

The text of the bill states as follows:

SECTION    1.    Section 56-5-130 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

“Section 56-5-130.    Every vehicle which is self-propelled, except mopeds, and every vehicle which is or propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, is a ‘motor vehicle’.”

The bill was sponsored by two members of the SC House of Representatives from Spartanburg County, Rep. Derham Cole, representing District 32, and newly elected Rep. Eddie Tallon, representing District 33.

The bill will be taken up my members of the House in January when the General Assembly begins its 119th session. It will first be reviewed by the House Committee on Education and Public Works.

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