BILL NUMBER: AB 225 AMENDED
BILL TEXT
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 9, 2013
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 1, 2013
INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Nestande
(Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Medina)
FEBRUARY 4, 2013
An act to amend Section 21251 of, and 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 amended, 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
45 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. The bill would
require a medium-speed electric vehicle to meet certain safety
requirements, including specified Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The bill would make, subject to exceptions, a
medium-speed electric vehicle subject to all the laws applicable to a
motor vehicle, and the driver of a medium-speed electric vehicle
subject to all the laws applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle
or other vehicle, as specified. 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. Section 21251 of the Vehicle Code is
amended to read:
21251. Except as provided in Chapter 6.2 (commencing with Section
1962), Chapter 7.1 (commencing with Section 1964), Chapter 8
(commencing with Section 1965), and Chapter 8.1 (commencing with
Section 1966) of Division 2.5 of the Streets and Highways Code, and
Sections 4023, 21115, and 21115.1, a low-speed vehicle or
medium-speed electric vehicle is subject to all of the laws
applicable to a motor vehicle, and the driver of a low-speed vehicle
or medium-speed electric vehicle is subject to all of the laws
applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle or other vehicle, when
applicable, by this code or another code, with the exception of those
laws that, by their very nature, can have no application.
SEC. 2. 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) Is 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.
(a) Can attain a speed, in one mile, of more than 40 miles per
hour and not more than 45 miles per hour, on a paved level surface.
(c)
(b ) Has a gross vehicle weight of no more
than 3,000 pounds.
(d)
(c) Is propelled solely by an electric motor.
(e)
(d) 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.
21291. A medium speed electric vehicle shall satisfy all of the
following safety requirements:
(a) It shall possess a fully enclosed passenger compartment with
rigid doors and safety windows.
(b) It shall be equipped with a horn in good working condition
that is capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions
from a distance of not less than 200 feet, but the horn shall not
emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound.
(c) It shall meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
described in Sections 571.103, 571.104, 571.108, 571.111, 571.114,
571.135, 571.205, 571.206, 571.209, 571.216, and 571.305 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 45 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.
21295. Except as provided in Sections 21115 and 21115.1, a
medium-speed electric vehicle is subject to all of the laws
applicable to a motor vehicle, and the driver of a medium-speed
electric vehicle is subject to all of the laws applicable to the
driver of a motor vehicle or other vehicle, when applicable, by this
code or another code, with the exception of those laws that, by their
very nature, can have no application.
SEC. 3. 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.