LOW-SPEED VEHICLE S.B. 1267: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 1267 (as introduced 5-16-06)
Sponsor: Senator Jason E. Allen
Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 6-6-06
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to revise the definition of "low-speed vehicle". Currently, the term 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 people, including the driver, of 2,200 pounds or less in weight as described in 49 CFR 571.500 that is equipped with the following:
-- Headlamps.
-- Front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and stop lamps.
-- Reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and one red on the rear.
-- An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an interior mirror.
-- A parking brake.
-- A windshield that meets the standards prescribed by the Code.
-- A vehicle identification number (VIN).
-- A set belt assembly conforming to the requirements of the Code installed at each designated seating position.
(Under 49 CFR 571.500, each low-speed vehicle must be equipped as described above, except that the windshield must conform to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard on glazing materials (49 CFR 571.205), the VIN must conform to the requirements of 49 CFR 565 (Vehicle Identification Number), and the seat belt assembly must be a Type 1 or 2 seat belt assembly conforming to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard on seat belt assemblies (49 CFR 571.209).)
Under the bill, instead, "low-speed vehicle" would mean a self-propelled, electronically powered motor vehicle that is emission-free, conforms to the definition of low-speed vehicle under 49 CFR 571.3(b), and meets the standard for low-speed vehicles under 49 CFR 571.500.
(Under 49 CFR 571.3(b), "low-speed vehicle" means a four-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a truck, whose speed attainable in 1.6 kilometers (km) (one mile), is more than 32 km per hour (20 miles per hour) and not more than 40 km per hour (25 miles per hour) on a paved level surface.)
MCL 257.25b Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Bill Bowerman
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. 1267/0506