Stop exempting mopeds

The exemption that mopeds enjoy from laws governing motor vehicles is an odd one, since mopeds are both motorized and vehicular. A bill in a state Senate committee would improve that situation on one front: drunken driving.

And it would be particularly appropriate since mopeds are sometimes the vehicle of choice for those whose licenses have been suspended because of DUI.

But a better plan would require moped operators to meet the driving standards for motorists in South Carolina. That would be an equitable application of the law.

Mopeds operate in driving lanes, often as though they were motorcycles. And they resemble motorcycles except for the limitations imposed by the small size of their engines.

Lawmakers are right to look at applying DUI laws to moped operators.

But they also ought to consider extending other laws governing motor vehicles to mopeds, as long as they are operating on the public roadways.