SB 5450.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares that a "neighborhood electric vehicle" means a self-propelled, electrically powered four-wheeled motor vehicle whose speed attainable in one mile is more than twenty miles per hour and not more than twenty-five miles per hour and conforms to federal regulations under Title 49 C.F.R. Part 571.500.

Provides that, absent prohibition by local authorities authorized under this act and except as prohibited elsewhere in this act, a person may operate a neighborhood electric vehicle upon a highway of this state having a speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour or less if: (1) The person does not operate a neighborhood electric vehicle upon state highways that are listed in chapter 47.17 RCW;

(2) The person does not operate a neighborhood electric vehicle upon a highway of this state without first having obtained and having in full force and effect a current and proper vehicle license and display vehicle license number plates in compliance with chapter 46.16 RCW;

(3) The person does not operate a neighborhood electric vehicle upon a highway of this state without first obtaining a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents in compliance with chapter 46.20 RCW;

(4) The person does not operate a neighborhood electric vehicle subject to registration under chapter 46.16 RCW on a highway of this state unless the person is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy in compliance with chapter 46.30 RCW; and

(5) The person operating a neighborhood electric vehicle does not cross a roadway with a speed limit in excess of thirty-five miles per hour.

Provides that this act does not prevent local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercise of their police power, from regulating the operation of neighborhood electric vehicles on streets and highways under their jurisdiction by resolution or ordinance of the governing body, if the regulation is consistent with the provisions of this act, except that: (1) Local authorities may not authorize the operation of neighborhood electric vehicles on streets and highways that are part of the state highway system subject to the provisions of Title 47 RCW;

(2) Local authorities may not prohibit the operation of neighborhood electric vehicles upon highways of this state having a speed limit of twenty-five miles per hour or less; and

(3) Local authorities are prohibited from establishing any requirements for the registration and licensing of neighborhood electric vehicles.

Declares that a "motorized foot scooter" means a device with no more than two ten-inch or smaller diameter wheels that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.

Provides that no driver's license is required to operate a motorized foot scooter. Motorized foot scooters may not be operated at any time from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise without reflectors of a type approved by the state patrol.