Operation of neighborhood electric vehicles

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Under current law, a "neighborhood electric vehicle" (NEV) is a motor vehicle that is propelled by electric power and that meets certain standards for low-speed vehicles under federal law, but does not include a golf cart. A municipality may, by ordinance, allow the use of NEVs on roadways under its jurisdiction that have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. However, a municipal ordinance may not allow the use of NEVs on connecting highways within the municipality, or where the municipality's roadways cross state trunk highways, unless all of the following apply: 1) the municipality provides written notice to the Department of Transportation (DOT) of the ordinance, including identification of any connecting highway or state trunk highway intersection to which the ordinance will apply; and 2) within 21 days of receiving this notice, DOT consents or fails to object to the use of NEVs on the connecting highway or through the intersection crossing the state trunk highway.

This bill expands municipal authority to allow operation of NEVs on roadways within the municipality. Under the bill, a municipal ordinance may allow the use of NEVs on any roadway within the municipality that has a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, regardless of whether the municipality has jurisdiction over the roadway.

Who's behind it

8 senators are its authors⁠. 4 are Democrats and 4 are Republicans.

11 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DOT

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment ASA1-SB321
• LC Amendment Memo