Motorized scooters may be the hot new trend, but law enforcement officials are going to make sure riders obey the law.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Department has been receiving inquiries from the public concerning the new law on motorized scooters, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2000. The following is a synopsis of the law.

– Drivers must be at least 16 years of age, but no driver’s license is required.

– A motorized scooter may not be propelled at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour. The operator of a motorized scooter shall not operate it on a highway (which also includes city streets) with a speed limit in excess of 25 miles per hour, unless the motorized scooter is operated within a bike lane.

– Scooters are not required to be registered and no proof of financial responsibility is required.

– Every person operating a motorized scooter upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle.

– Motorized scooters operated during hours of darkness are required to have the proper lighting equipment and reflectors (headlight visible 300 feet to the front, red reflector 500 feet to the rear and white or yellow side reflectors visible from 200 feet).

For a complete list of rules of the road and bike lane rules contact the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department at (530) 582-7838.