LOW-SPEED VEHICLES

Senate Bill 1267

Sponsor:  Sen. Jason E. Allen

House Committee:  Transportation

Senate Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 9-8-06

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1267 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 6-13-06

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.25b) to delete the current definition of "low-speed vehicle" and instead define the term to apply to a self-propelled motor vehicle conforming to the federal definitions and federal standards for such vehicles (found at 49 CFR, 571.3 and 571.500).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The federal definition contained in 49 CFR 571.3(b) is:

 

Low-speed vehicle means a 4-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a truck, whose speed attainable in 1.6 km (1 mile) is more than 32 kilometers per hour (20 miles per hour) and not more than 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour) on a paved level surface.

The current Michigan Vehicle Code definition is:

Low-speed vehicle  means an electrically powered vehicle designed to be operated at a speed not to exceed 35 miles per hour with a capacity of not more than four persons, including the driver, of 2200 pounds or less in weight and containing certain specified equipment.

The standards contained in federal 49 CFR 571.500 include all of the equipment currently cited in the state law

That equipment includes headlamps; front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and stop lamps; reflex reflectors, including one red on each side as far as to the rear as practicable, and one red on the rear; an exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side and either a passenger side mirror or an interior mirror; a parking brake; a windshield meeting specified standards; a vehicle identification number; and seat belts.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no apparent fiscal impact.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                   Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.