§ 12-173. Rental agency duties, restrictions and requirements specific to scooter, motorcycles.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for a rental agency to rent or lease any scooter or motorcycle that is not in compliance with required safety equipment in order to lawfully operate on the public roads. In order to lawfully operate on public roads, each scooter or motorcycle shall be equipped with:

(1)

A state issued license plate and a valid city decal denoting the year,

(2)

Head lamps

(3)

Tail lamps,

(4)

Stop lamps,

(5)

Reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and one red on the rear,

(6)

An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an interior mirror;

(7)

If so equipped, a windshield that conforms to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard on glazing material,

(8)

A VIN that conforms to the requirements of part 565 Vehicle Identification Number of (49 CFR 571).

(b)

A rental agency shall not rent or offer any scooter or motorcycle for rent to anyone under 15 years of age. Persons under the age of 15 may not operate a scooter or motorcycle in the State of South Carolina.

(c)

A rental agency shall not rent or offer any moped for rent to any minor between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age unless:

(1)

The minor provides a Class M license or other state's equivalent for operation of a scooter or motorcycle on the public roads, verifying that he or she is over the age of 15; and

(2)

The minor's parent or guardian signs the rental agreement.

(d)

A rental agency shall not rent or offer any scooter or motorcycle for rent to any person who does not possess and produce a Class M license or other equivalent states license allowing a person to operate a scooter or motorcycle on the public roads.

(e)

The rental agency shall inform all operators and passengers under the age of 21 that protective wear is required, and shall provide protective headgear with or without a transparent face shield and protective glasses or goggles as required by state law for all persons under the age of 21.

(f)

Scooter and motorcycles must be operated by a properly licensed (Class M) driver, and must be insured in order to be operated on the public roads. It shall be unlawful for a rental agency to rent or lease a scooter that is not fully insured. Proof of insurance must be in the possession of the operator at all times.

(g)

The rental agency shall make a copy of the operator's driver's license, and maintain that copy for not less than 90 days.

(Ord. No. 2016-1, 4-12-16)