POWER-DRIVEN MOBILITY DEVICES

House Bill 5834 (proposed substitute H-3)

Sponsor:  Rep. Beau LaFave

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 5-14-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5834 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to create an exemption from the requirement to obtain a driver’s license under the Code for a disabled person while operating a power-driven mobility device, except when he or she is operating such a device on a street, road, or highway in the state.

Section 302 of the Michigan Vehicle Code exempts certain vehicle operators from the requirement to obtain a license under the Code, including, among others, members of the Armed Forces on leave or stationed in this state, nonresidents whose home states do not require licensure, and certain persons operating a farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily on a highway.

The bill would amend Section 302 to also exempt a disabled person while operating a power-driven mobility device. However, the exemption would not apply to a disabled person while operating a power-driven mobility device on a street, road, or highway.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

MCL 257.302

FISCAL IMPACT:

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

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Michael Cnossen

■ 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.