AB 574

Under current law, for purposes of a pilot program, a lightweight utility vehicle

is defined as an engine-driven device having a gross weight of more than 700 pounds

but not more than 1,999 pounds that is designed to travel on four or more

low-pressure tires, is equipped with a cargo area, and is used primarily off a

highway. (Lightweight utility vehicles are commonly known by their trade names,

such as the John Deere Gator or Kubota RTV series.)

This bill authorizes limited-purpose operation of lightweight utility vehicles on

highways. Under the bill, a lightweight utility vehicle (LUV) is a lightweight utility

vehicle as defined for purposes of the pilot program, except that the term does not

include any device that is equipped with a seat designed to be straddled by the

operator. A person may operate in the conduct of agricultural operations an LUV on

a highway, including the roadway or the shoulder of the highway, to cross the

highway or to travel on the highway. A person operating an LUV on a highway is

required to exercise due care, avoid interfering with the movement of other traffic,

and, when operating on the roadway, operate as close as practicable to the

right-hand edge of the roadway. Any operation of an LUV on a highway other than

as provided in this bill or as designated under the pilot program is prohibited. An

LUV is not required to be registered with DOT and is exempt from vehicle emission

inspection requirements. An LUV operated on a highway is generally exempt from

motor vehicle equipment requirements, but must have head lamps and tail lamps if

operated at night, must have at least one stop (brake) lamp, and must be equipped

with a slow moving vehicle emblem.