Dallas PD now getting tough on scooter riders who break the law

DALLAS - Electric scooter riders in Dallas, you have been warned and may now get a ticket for breaking the law.

The Dallas Police Department announced officers will be handing out tickets a week after a man was captured on video riding a scooter on busy Interstate 35E.

MORE: Dash camera captures Lime scooter rider on I-35 in downtown Dallas during rush hour

Scooters are not allowed on highways or streets unless the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. They also can't be ridden on sidewalks or trails in certain areas and riders must follow all traffic laws. Also, riders under 17 must wear a helmet and only one person is allowed on each scooter.

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The rules have been in place since scooters arrived in Dallas last year, but not enforced by police.

That is until this weekend when police handed out their first ticket. Nearly a dozen citations have been handed out since then, mostly in the Deep Ellum area.

"We're not here to try to ruin anybody's evening. We're not here to try to put a financial burden on someone. We're here to keep people safe and that's our overall goal. And that's not just in this area but that's in the entire city," said Deputy Chief Thomas Castro with DPD.

Dallas police are trying to warn people that they're serious about enforcement. Violators can be fined up to $200 for riding a scooter improperly in Dallas.

"Most of our enforcement, I would probably say would take place during the week, when it's not as busy," Castro said. "Not saying we won't take enforcement on the weekends, but probably primarily throughout the week so we can gain hopefully education and compliance."

"They're very convenient but, uh, I think there needs to be a little more instruction on how to ride them," Darren Fabian said.

"I drive for a ridesharing company, so I can't tell you how many times I've almost hit one. It does make you become a defensive driver," said David Franks.

Dallas scooter accidents have resulted in one death and more than 150 emergency room visits.

"You can get seriously injured, so we've heard a lot of positive feedback from the enforcement," Castro added.

FOX 4 contacted Lime and Bird scooter companies for comment but did not hear back.