BILL NUMBER: AB 225	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 18, 2013
	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 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 45 miles per hour on
a roadway with a speed limit that does not exceed 45 miles per hour.
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.  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) 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.
   (b) Has a gross vehicle weight of no more than 3,000 pounds.
   (c) Is propelled solely by an electric motor.
   (d) Contains a vehicle identification number that meets
international standards.
   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  or exceed  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  , and 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 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.  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. 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.