ALLOW ELECTRONIC PATROL VEHICLES

TO OPERATE ON SIDEWALKS

House Bill 4127 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Winnie Brinks

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 5-1-17

SUMMARY:

The bill would amend the Electric Patrol Vehicle Act to allow law enforcement, emergency service, and parking enforcement employees to operate electric patrol vehicles on sidewalks with the authorization of the local political subdivision.

The bill also would:  (1) alter the definition of electric patrol vehicle to include vehicles with three wheels; (2) require only one head lamp, rather than two, on such vehicles; and (2) allow a local political subdivision to exempt, by ordinance, patrol vehicles from the requirements that the vehicles have windshields and safety belts.

Under the Electric Patrol Vehicle Act, an "electric patrol vehicle" means an electrically powered motor vehicle designed to carry not more than 4 persons, at a speed of not more than 25 miles per hour, and having an unloaded weight of not more than 1,300 pounds. 

Currently, such a vehicle is limited to operating on a street or highway with a posted speed limit of not more than 25 miles hour, as well as crossing a street or highway with a posted speed limit of not more than 50 miles per hour.  The bill, as noted, would allow the vehicles to operate on sidewalks with local approval.

MCL 257.1572 et al.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on state or local government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Ben Gielczyk

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