AB 225, as introduced, Nestande. Medium-speed electric vehicles.
Existing law defines “low-speed vehicle” as a motor vehicle, other than a motor truck, with 4 wheels that is capable of a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface and that has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds. Existing law imposes certain restrictions on the use of low-speed vehicles on public streets and highways, and generally requires an operator of a low-speed vehicle to have a driver’s license. A violation of these provisions is a crime.
This bill would authorize the operation of a medium-speed electric vehicle, as defined, at speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour on a roadway with a speed limit that does not exceed 45 miles per hour. The bill would require that the driver of a medium-speed electric vehicle possess a class A, class B, or class C driver’s license. Because it is unlawful and constitutes an infraction for any person to violate, or fail to comply with any provision of the Vehicle Code, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
Article 7 (commencing with Section 21290) is
2added to Chapter 1 of Division 11 of the Vehicle Code, to read:
3
For purposes of this article, a “medium-speed electric
7vehicle” means a vehicle that has all of the following
8characteristics:
9(a) Capable of speeds of at least 30 miles per hour, but not more
10than 35 miles per hour.
11(b) Possesses a fully-enclosed passenger compartment with rigid
12doors and safety windows.
13(c) Has a gross vehicle weight of no more than 3,000 pounds.
14(d) Is propelled solely by an electric motor.
15(e) Contains a vehicle identification number that meets
16international standards.
17(f) Meets or exceeds the requirements for safety equipment
18specified in Section 571.500 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal
19Regulations.
(a) A medium-speed electric vehicle may be operated
21at speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour.
22(b) A medium-speed electric vehicle may not be operated on a
23roadway with a speed limit in excess of 45 miles per hour.
The driver of a medium-speed electric vehicle shall
25possesses a class A, class B, or class C driver’s license.
No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to
27Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because
28the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school
29district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or
30infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty
31for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of
32the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within
P3 1the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California
2Constitution.
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