Drivers navigating the Island’s narrow and winding roads will once again be dealing with the hazards of rented mopeds this summer, despite widespread community opposition to them. Under court order, the Oak Bluffs selectmen this week voted to issue licenses to three moped rental companies, who plan to open for business as early as this weekend.

Credit the selectmen for trying to find a legal avenue to limit moped rentals with the tourist season fast approaching by focusing on public safety. The problem with that tactic, according to a superior court judge, is that Massachusetts law allows any licensed driver to operate a moped. Forcing drivers to undergo safety training before doing so, the Hon. Cornelius Moriarty reasoned, violates that law.

But there’s a well established method for towns to seek exception to specific state laws, and it’s high time that Oak Bluffs started that process by petitioning the state legislature under the provisions of the Home Rule Amendment to the state constitution.

The process, used recently by Vineyard Haven to allow the sale of hard liquor in restaurants, will take some time to effect the desired result, requiring as it does a vote of the town both before and after the petition is submitted to the legislature. As explained to Oak Bluffs selectmen in April by their town counsel, Ronald H. Rappaport. voters would first have to petition the legislature to pass a special bill granting an exemption to Oak Bluffs so the town could outlaw moped rentals. Assuming the bill was passed by the legislature, the measure would then go back to town voters for a second show of approval.

Oak Bluffs town administrator Robert Whritenour confirmed this week that selectmen are considering calling a special town meeting in the fall to begin that process. That’s plenty of time for the town of Tisbury, the location of the Island’s only other moped rental business, to sign on to the effort to rid Martha’s Vineyard of a dangerous practice once and for all. If all went smoothly, a ban on moped rentals could be in place by next summer.

For the next few months, the Island will continue to deal with the consequences of inexperienced vacationers steering wobbly machinery for the first time in heavy traffic in an unfamiliar environment. Please be extra careful when driving.