Moped owners face license challenge
Published: 9th September 2007 08:48 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/8436/
Following fast-rising sales and an increasing number of accidents, the government has called for a full driver's license for all kinds of moped from 2009.
According to the bill which is currently being prepared, a license will also be required for snowmobiles and off-road quad bikes.
"In the proposal we're going to suggest national, Swedish rules under which all moped drivers must have a proper driver's license. If everything goes to plan we hope the law will come into force at the beginning of 2009," said Catrin Tidström, undersecretary in the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications, to Göteborgs-Posten.
There are currently around 140,000 class 1 'EU mopeds' in Sweden. Despite a maximum speed of 45km/h, the license required for such vehicles is, according to the Swedish Road Administration, easy to acquire and not comparable with a full driver's license.
TT/The Local (news@thelocal.se/08 656 6518)