Brief Description: Reducing air pollution through the licensing and use of medium-speed electric vehicles.

Sponsors: By Representatives Dickerson, Hankins, Lovick, B. Sullivan, Simpson, Hasegawa and Moeller.

House Committee on Transportation
Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) are included in the definition of a motor vehicle. The vehicles are defined as four-wheeled motor vehicles that are self-propelled and electrically powered, can reach a speed between 20 and 25 miles per hour, and conform to federal regulations.

Neighborhood electric vehicles may be operated on a public highway having a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less if certain conditions are met. The conditions are that the vehicle is licensed and displays plates, the vehicle is insured for liability, the vehicle may not operate on a state highway, and the vehicle may not cross a highway with a speed limit over 35 miles per hour, unless certain criteria are met.

The NEV operator must have a valid driver's license. An NEV operator in violation of the above provisions is guilty of a traffic infraction. Seatbelt and child restraint laws are applicable, and the vehicle must meet federal standards for that type of vehicle.

Local authorities may regulate the operation of these types of vehicles on public highways under their jurisdiction if the regulations are consistent with the motor vehicle code. The local authorities may not permit vehicles on state highways or require additional registration or licensing.

Summary:

A medium-speed electric vehicle (MEV) is included in the definition of a motor vehicle. The vehicles are defined as four-wheeled motor vehicles that are self-propelled and electrically powered, can reach a speed a between 30 and 35 miles per hour, are equipped with a roll cage or a crush-proof body design, and otherwise meet or exceed the federal regulations for neighborhood electric vehicles.

Medium-speed electric vehicles may be operated on a public highway having a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less if certain conditions are met. The conditions are that the vehicle is licensed and displays plates, the vehicle is insured for liability, the vehicle may not operate on a state highway, and the vehicle may not cross a highway with a speed limit over 35 miles per hour, unless certain criteria are met.

The MEV operator must have a valid driver's license. An MEV operator in violation of the above provisions is guilty of a traffic infraction. Seatbelt and child restraint laws are applicable, and the vehicle must meet or exceed federal standards for that type of vehicle.

Local authorities may regulate the operations of these types of vehicles on public highways under their jurisdiction if the regulations are consistent with the motor vehicle code. The local authorities may not permit vehicles on state highways or require additional registration or licensing.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   94   0
Senate   47   0

Effective: August 1, 2007