Many people make mistakes, and that often results in them having a DUI on their records. A drunk driving conviction is serious because it can significantly affect one's ability to move on and live a normal life. That's exactly what one man in Florida was attempting to do when he purchased a motorized bicycle.

Because of his past DUI and other misdemeanors, getting a job was difficult. Due to licensing restrictions following a DUI and a health condition, he was using a motorized bike to get back and forth to the job he could get with his history and in this economy. However, Florida law is specific on what motorized bicycles are allowed on Florida roads and which ones require licensing and registration. Because he wasn't fully aware of the laws, he wound up violating them.

The man says that all he wanted to do was go to work, be productive, and get on with his life. He was pulled over on his bike and served two weeks in jail for simply driving the motorized bike. His situation suggests that more attention needs to be paid to the ultimate goals behind licensing laws. Even manufacturers and distributors of motorized bicycles reportedly give inaccurate information regarding how and where these bikes can be operated and what type of license is required.

Rebuilding a life after a DUI can be difficult enough without the existence of unclear, illogical laws. Examining unclear laws, such as the ones regarding Florida motorized bicycles, helps to raise awareness regarding specific laws that aren't working as well as they should or providing opportunities for rehabilitation to past offenders.

Source

Florida Today: "Some motorized bicycles can land you in legal trouble," Andrew Knapp, Oct. 13, 2011