BILL NUMBER: AB 225	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Nestande
   (Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Medina)

                        FEBRUARY 4, 2013

   An act to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 21290) to Chapter
1 of Division 11 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   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:

  SECTION 1.  Article 7 (commencing with Section 21290) is added to
Chapter 1 of Division 11 of the Vehicle Code, to read:

      Article 7.  Operation of Medium-Speed Electric Vehicles


   21290.  For purposes of this article, a "medium-speed electric
vehicle" means a vehicle that has all of the following
characteristics:
   (a) Capable of speeds of at least 30 miles per hour, but not more
than 35 miles per hour.
   (b) Possesses a fully-enclosed passenger compartment with rigid
doors and safety windows.
   (c) Has a gross vehicle weight of no more than 3,000 pounds.
   (d) Is propelled solely by an electric motor.
   (e) Contains a vehicle identification number that meets
international standards.
   (f) Meets or exceeds the requirements for safety equipment
specified in Section 571.500 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.
   21292.  (a) A medium-speed electric vehicle may be operated at
speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour.
   (b) A medium-speed electric vehicle may not be operated on a
roadway with a speed limit in excess of 45 miles per hour.
   21295.  The driver of a medium-speed electric vehicle shall
possesses a class A, class B, or class C driver's license.
  SEC. 2.  No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to
Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because
the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school
district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or
infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty
for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the
Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the
meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California
Constitution.