What is the consequence of operating a moped faster than 35 MPH?

Operating a moped at speeds exceeding 35 MPH reclassifies the vehicle and its operator under Virginia law. When a moped is ridden at speeds greater than this threshold, it is classified as a motorcycle, which comes with a different set of regulatory requirements. This means that the operator must adhere to certain registration and licensing stipulations that apply to motorcycles, including having a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license, registering the vehicle with the DMV, and obtaining appropriate insurance.

This reclassification is crucial for ensuring that safety standards and regulations applied to more powerful vehicles are enforced, given that higher speeds increase the risk of accidents and injuries. The requirement for registration reflects the need for proper tracking and accountability for vehicles that operate at these higher speeds on public roads, thereby promoting safer driving practices.