Baltimore City Police step up enforcement to combat illegal scooter traffic violations

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Police Department launched an enforcement initiative, focusing on unregistered motorized scooters after an uptick in traffic violations and incidents involving illegal scooters. 

"These scooters were committing a lot of traffic infractions, speeding (while) riding on sidewalks and bus lines, endangering a lot of people, even themselves," Steven Henson, Sgt. of the Baltimore Police Department said. 

Sgt. Henson says BPD has issued more than 40 citations for scooters lacking proper registration, licenses, and insurance. 

Leading up to this, officers had been providing warnings. 

Henson said they'd initially "stop (them), educate them, and if we have to tow the vehicles we tow them away until they can be in compliance with the Maryland law." 

Police say it's all about enhancing community safety and they will continue to patrol popular areas throughout the city.