Rep. Setzer files bill in North Carolina House to modify moped regulations

A new bill filed by State Rep. Mitchell S. Setzer in the North Carolina House seeks to update regulations governing moped use and safety on certain highways, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 822 on April 8 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Moped Regulation.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to modify regulations surrounding the operation of mopeds in North Carolina. It stipulates that a moped is generally presumed to be designed for one person unless the operator can provide manufacturer documentation indicating otherwise. Additionally, the bill mandates that mopeds must be operated in the right-hand side of the right-hand lane on highways where the posted speed limit exceeds 35 miles per hour, except when preparing for a left turn. It further prohibits the operation of mopeds on highways where the speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour. These changes are set to take effect Dec. 1, 2025, affecting all moped operations from that date forward.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Setzer proposed the most bills (37) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Setzer graduated from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1987 with a BA.

Setzer, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 1999 to represent the state’s 89th House district, replacing previous state representative Robert Brawley.