ALABAMA
Low speed vehicles are treated in
the same manner as other motor
vehicles. Alabama requires that any
vehicle operating on public streets
and highways must be titled,
registered and insured. |
ALASKA
The State of Alaska has passed LSV
legislation, LSVs are restricted to
roads with speed limits up to 35
mph, however, local jurisdictions
may limit their usage. |
ARIZONA
Arizona will register low speed
electric vehicles if certain
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration guidelines, as
defined in Arizona Revised Statute
28-101.32 are met. The vehicles will
be subject to registration on an
annual or biennial cycle and the
usual vehicle license tax and fees. |
ARKANSAS
Any vehicle that meets federal
highway safety standards for
operation on public streets and
highways may be registered. If a
licensed vehicle is operated on a
public thoroughfare, and is not
capable of operating at speeds
consistent with the prevailing
traffic flow, the operator would be
in jeopardy of receiving a citation. |
CALIFORNIA
California DMV registers LSVs for
on-road use if the vehicle is going
to be operated on public streets.
LSVs must meet applicable federal
safety standards and be certified by
the California Air Resources Board
(CARB). LSVs are registered as
passenger vehicles and issued
automobile plates. Owners of
registered LSVs must comply with
financial responsibility laws and a
driver license is needed to operate
the vehicle. LSVs are restricted
from roadways where the speed limit
is greater than 35 mph.
Manufacturers are required to affix
an LSV decal to the vehicle. The
dealers are also required to have
the new owner sign a statement
acknowledging they understand the
information on the decal. The dealer
retains the original statement and
provides the new owner with a copy. |
COLORADO
Colorado does register LSV'S.
Colorado Revised Statute
42-1-102(58) states "motor vehicle
includes a neighborhood electric
vehicle." NEVs cannot operate over
the state highway system, and are
permitted but not required to
display the slow moving vehicle
emblem. Each local law enforcement
agency has the authority to regulate
the operation of neighborhood
electric vehicles on streets under
their jurisdiction. The vehicles
must have a 17 digit VIN. Colorado
does register NEVs and they have a
special license plate that states
that the vehicle is a "Neighborhood
Electric Vehicle." |
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut does not license or
register LSVs. It is possible to
register a golf cart, but not
primarily for road use. We intend to
submit legislation at some point in
the future concerning low speed
vehicles. |
DELAWARE
The Delaware Division of Motor
Vehicles submitted legislation to
the Delaware General Assembly for
consideration. Hopefully, this
legislation will pass this
legislative session. Delaware
currently has no laws restricting
LSVs as long as the vehicles meet
all federal motor vehicle standards
for passenger vehicles. |
|
FLORIDA
Florida allows LSVs
to be operated on streets where the
posted speed limit is 35 mph or
less. LSVs are subject to the same
license tax, registration, insurance
and drivers license requirements as
other vehicles. Counties,
municipalities and the state
Department of Transportation may
prohibit LSVs on roads under their
respective jurisdictions if such
prohibition is necessary in the
interest of public safety. Florida
statute also imposes certain
restrictions on the imposition of
insurance surcharges on EVs. |
GEORGIA
Governor Roy Barnes (D) signed
HB1389 into law on April 25, 2002.
The measure allows LSVs to be
operated on roadways with posted
speed limits of 35 mph or less and
requires the operator of LSVs on
highways to display an amber strobe
light so as to warn approaching
travelers to decrease their speed
because of the danger of colliding
with such vehicle. Such amber strobe
light shall be mounted in a manner
so as to be visible under normal
atmospheric conditions from a
distance of 500 feet from the front
and rear of such vehicle. |
HAWAII
Hawaii registers LSV's for use on
public roads with a speed limit of
35 mph or less. The vehicles have a
special license plate indicating
they are electric vehicles. Hawaii
also offers small financial
incentives. Vehicles with the
special license plate are exempt
from payment of parking fees,
including those collected through
parking meters, charged by any
government authority, other than a
branch of the federal government,
when being operated in this State.
For a period of five years,
beginning July 1, 1997, the motor
vehicle registration fee and other
fees, if any, assessed upon or
associated with the registration of
an electric vehicle in this State,
including any fees associated with
the issuance of a license plate, are
waived. |
IDAHO
Idaho's Division of Motor Vehicles
has adopted a position that low
speed and slow speed vehicles will
not be titled or registered. This
policy was developed based on
current statutes and with public
safety in mind. The DMV has received
very few inquiries for these types
of vehicles and it is their position
that until such time that
legislation is passed that clearly
defines both the operational and
geographical limitations for LSVs,
the DMV cannot title or register
them. |
ILLINOIS
Illinois has passed LSV legislation. |
|
INDIANA
This bill provides
that certain low-speed vehicles
designed to have a maximum speed of
not more than 35 miles per hour may
be operated on highways as passenger
motor vehicles, with certain
exceptions. It permits the
Department of Transportation (INDOT)
and local authorities to regulate
the operation of these low-speed
vehicles, with certain exceptions.
It specifies certain equipment that
must be standard on a low-speed
vehicle.
Effective Date:
July 1,
2003 (LSVLAWS
LINK) |
IOWA
In last year's legislative session,
Iowa adopted legislation to allow
low speed vehicles that meet the
requirements of 49 C.F.R. 571.500 to
be operated on Iowa highways with a
posted speed limit of not more than
25 MPH. |
KANSAS
LSVs are registered as any other
passenger vehicle, however there are
restrictions on their operation.
Kansas Statute 8-15, 101 makes it
illegal for an LSV to be operated on
any street or highway with a posted
speed limit greater than 40 mph. The
statute does not prevent LSVs from
crossing streets or highways with a
speed limit of over 40 mph. (LSVLAWS
LINK) |
KENTUCKY
Kentucky does not have specific
statutory language regarding low
speed electric vehicles. The
Department of Vehicle Regulation
does allow low speed electric
vehicles to be registered if the
manufacturer demonstrates that the
vehicle complies with federal
regulation 49 CFR 571.500. This must
include a conforming VIN and a
manufacturer's statement of origin.
Vehicles not manufactured for
highway use may not be registered.
|
LOUISIANA
Louisiana has passed LSV
legislation, LSVs are restricted to
roads with speed limits up to 35
mph, however, local jurisdictions
may limit their usage. |
|
MAINE
Representative Marley
introduced Bill LD393 on January 30,
2003. The Bill authorized the use of
LSVs in certain municipalities and
islands starting on June 1, 2003.
All other jurisdictions started to
allow LSV usage on September 1,
2003. |
MARYLAND
Maryland's vehicle law now permits
the registration and/or operation of
LSV's on Maryland's roadways posted
30 mph and below. |
MASSACHUSETTS
Senator Glodis introduced SB 1313 on
January 1. The bill defines an LSV,
and limits the use of LSVs to
roadways with posted speed limits of
30 mph or less, except when crossing
an intersection with a posted speed
limit of 45 mph. Allows the
prohibition of LSV operation in
jurisdictions if deemed an
unreasonable risk. Requires an LSV
driver to be 16 years of age and to
possess a valid driver's license.
Exempts low speed electric vehicles
from annual emissions inspections.
Requires dealers of LSVs in
Massachusetts to provide a notice to
purchasers/renters detailing
specifics about the operation/use of
LSVs in the Commonwealth. The
legislation would take effect
immediately upon passage into law. |
|
MICHIGAN
Prohibits LSVs from
operating on streets with posted
speed limits above 35 mph. The
driver of an LSV must possess a
valid operator or chauffeur license,
the LSV must follow the same titling
and registration laws as passenger
vehicles, and the LSV must have its
own 17 character Vehicle
Identification Number. Occupants of
the vehicle are required to wear a
crash helmet unless the LSV is
equipped with a roof that meets or
exceeds the standards for roof-crush
resistance (49 C.F.R. 571.216).
|
MINNESOTA
Minnesota does not title or register
LSVs, nor are they allowed to use
public streets or highways. Driver
and Vehicle Services is interested
in keeping abreast of any action
EVAA may be taking in the pursuit of
legislation regarding LSVs.
|
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi has passed LSV
legislation but is in control by
local governments. Check your local
DMV for information |
MISSOURI
The Missouri Department of Revenue
will title and register LSVs with
the presentation of the required
paperwork. LSVs are titled and
registered in the same manner as
other motor vehicles. Taxes are
based on the purchase price and
registration fees are charged
according to vehicle horsepower. |
|
MONTANA
At this time, under current Montana
statutes, these vehicles would be on
the road legally. The Montana
legislature has not chosen to
specify a minimum speed limit on any
road in Montana. |
|
NEBRASKA
Nebraska has passed LSV legislation
and we are in the process of
locating detailed information about
the laws enacted. Nebraska considers
LSVs to be golf carts and some
communities have local laws and
regulations governing the operation
of golf carts. |
|
NEVADA
Allows LSVs that have been
registered and that comply with
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards to operate on highways
with posted speed limits of 35 mph
or less. (NRS 484.527)
|
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Representative Packard introduced HR
76 on January 8, 2003. The bill
defines a neighborhood electric
vehicle and prohibits the operation
of an NEV on roadways with posted
speed limits greater than 35 mph.
The legislation also requires
certain safety features on the
vehicle. The bill, which was
referred to the Transportation
Committee, passed the House on
January 30 and has been referred to
the Senate. Bill was passed on April
22, 2003 by Governor Craig Benson
(R). |
NEW JERSEY
On January 6, 2006, Governor Cody
signed LSV bills into law. Senate
Bill 1834, makes LSV's street legal
on New Jersey's roads with a posted
speed limit of 25 MPH or less.
Municipalities and counties can opt
to authorize the use of LSV's on
streets with speed limits of up of
35 MPH. S. 1834 was sponsored by
Senator John Adler. A companion
bill, sponsored by Assemblyman John
Wisniewski, was introduced in the
State Assembly. |
NEW MEXICO
Governor Bill Richardson (D) signed
HB 388 on February 24, 2004. The law
allows LSVs on roadways with posted
speed limits of 35 mph or less, and
would require drivers to possess a
valid drivers license. |
NEW YORK
Chapter 585 of the Laws of 2001
amended the Vehicle and Traffic Law
by adding a new section 121-f in
relation to low speed vehicles. It
defines an LSV as a limited use
automobile and further defines a
limited use automobile as a limited
use vehicle. The Department of Motor
Vehicles adopting an emergency
regulation that went into effect in
November 2002 that permits LSVs that
are certified in New York to be
registered in NY State for on-road
use on roadways with speed limits of
35 mph or less. |
NORTH CAROLINA
Allows LSVs to be operated on
streets and highways where the
posted speed limit is 35 mph or less
and the vehicles must comply with
applicable safety standards. LSVs
can be titled and licensed as
private passenger vehicles. |
NORTH DAKOTA
Chapter 39-29.1 allows for the
licensing and registration of LSVs
for on-road use. |
OHIO
The Ohio Legislature provided for
title and registration of LSVs in
the 2002 legislative session. The
vehicle must meet NHTSA standards
for LSVs. All LSVs must have either
a manufacturer's certificate of
origin (MCO) that specifies that it
was manufactured to Federal LSV
standards, or a Federal Standards
Sticker that indicates it meets
Federal LSV standards. |
OKLAHOMA
Effective November 1, 2001, the
Oklahoma Legislature enacted
legislation providing for the
optional registration of low speed
electric vehicles, within
established guidelines. To be
eligible, the vehicle must meet
FMVSS500 safety standards, at which
point they may, at the option of the
owner, be titled and registered upon
presentation of proper titling
documentation. Oklahoma law also
prohibits operation of LSVS on
streets with posted speed limits
above 35 mph. |
OREGON
The Oregon Legislature provided for
title and registration of LSVs in
the Oregon 2001 legislative session.
The legislation limits the operation
of LSVs to streets with a posted
speed limit of 35 mph or less. The
vehicle must meet NHTSA standards
for LSVs. All LSVs must have either
a manufacturer's certificate of
origin (MCO) that specifies that it
was manufactured to Federal LSV
standards, or a Federal Standards
Sticker that indicates it meets
Federal LSV standards. If the
vehicle has neither, the owner must
complete a self-certification.
|
PENNSYLVANIA
Representative
Greenleaf introduced No. 152 on
March 6, 2007. The bill defines a
neighborhood electric vehicle
(LSV)and the legislation
limits the operation of LSVs to
streets with a posted speed limit of
35 mph or less. The vehicle must
meet NHTSA standards for LSVs. All
LSVs must have either a
manufacturer's certificate of origin
(MCO) that specifies that it was
manufactured to Federal LSV
standards, or a Federal Standards
Sticker that indicates it meets
Federal LSV standards.
The bill was active on September
2007. |
RHODE ISLAND
There is no provision in the State
of Rhode Island banning the use of
LSVs on public roads, hence such EVs
are legal in the state. LSVs are
subject to registration and
insurance requirements just like
other private passenger vehicles.
Operators must have a valid license
and adhere to all traffic
regulations. |
SOUTH CAROLINA
Low speed vehicles that meet the
required federal safety standards to
operate on streets and highways may
be registered. However, the vehicle
may not be operated on a street or
highway that has a minimum posted
speed greater than the maximum rated
speed of the vehicle.
|
SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota licenses a four-wheeled
electric vehicle as a noncommercial
(automobile) vehicle. Titling also
is required. |
TENNESSEE
The Title and Registration Division
permits LSVs to be titled when the
MSO indicates that such vehicles
comply with certain safety standards
and the top speed has the capability
of exceeding 20 mph but not more
than 25 mph. LSVs should be
restricted from use on primary
roads. A bill is currently before
the Tennessee General Assembly to
specifically include LSVs in the
definition of a motor vehicle and
further to establish a specific
license plate for the restricted use
of the vehicle. Until such
legislation is enacted into law, the
Title and Registration will continue
to title and register LSVs in the
manner described. On May 14,
Governor Don Sunquist (R) signed
HB2796 into law. (Chapter 747). The
bill allows low speed vehicles to be
operated on streets and highways
where the posted speed limit is 35
mph or less. Effective July 1, 2002. |
TEXAS
Requires slow moving vehicles (which
are defined as operating at a
maximum speed of 25 mph or less) to
display a "Slow-moving Vehicle
Emblem" when operated on public
streets and highways. Exempts such
vehicles from the Safety Inspection
Act. Requires these vehicles to be
registered and titled. |
UTAH
HB171 bill allows low speed
vehicles to be operated on streets
and highways where the posted speed
limit is 35 mph or less; exempts
LSVs from emissions inspections and
maintenance program requirements,
and requires a slow moving vehicle
identification number on the rear of
the vehicle. (UtahLSVlink) |
VERMONT
Vermont passed Bill SB297 - Act No.
91 on May 1, 2002. The bill, defines
a low-speed "neighborhood electric
vehicle", requires both a flashing
caution light or reflector and a
reflectorized slow moving vehicle
symbol in addition to meeting
federal safety standards (FMVSS500),
and prohibits the operation of LSVs
on roadways with posted speed limits
greater than 35 mph. The legislation
would allow a driver to cross
roadways with posted speed limits
not in excess of 50 mph.
|
VIRGINIA
Passed Law HB571 on low-speed
vehicles. Authorizes limited
over-the-highway operation of
low-speed vehicles, defined as
four-wheeled electrically-powered
vehicles, other than golf carts,
whose maximum speed is greater than
20 miles per hour but not greater
than 25 miles per hour, that are
manufactured to comply with safety
standards contained in Title 49 of
the Code of Federal Regulations,
section 571.500. Low-speed vehicles
may be operated on public highways
with speed limits of no more than 35
miles per hour by licensed drivers
or learner's permit holders
accompanied by licensed drivers. The
same registration and insurance
requirements applicable to passenger
cars apply also to low-speed
vehicles. |
WASHINGTON
The
Washington Legislature provided for
title and registration of LSVs in
the Oregon 2005 legislative session.
The legislation limits the operation
of LSVs to streets with a posted
speed limit of 35 mph or less. The
vehicle must meet NHTSA standards
for LSVs. All LSVs must have either
a manufacturer's certificate of
origin (MCO) that specifies that it
was manufactured to Federal LSV
standards, or a Federal Standards
Sticker that indicates it meets
Federal LSV standards. (LSV
LINK) |
|
WEST VIRGINIA
(c) The division
shall title and register low-speed
vehicles if the manufacturer's
certificate of origin clearly
identifies the vehicle as a
low-speed vehicle. The division may
not title or register homemade
low-speed vehicles or retrofitted
golf carts and such vehicles do not
qualify as low-speed vehicles in
this state. In addition to all other
motor vehicle laws and regulations,
except as specifically exempted
below, low-speed vehicles are
subject to the following
restrictions and requirements:
(1) Low-speed
vehicles shall only be operated on
private roads and on public roads
and streets where the speed limit is
not more than twenty-five miles per
hour;
(2) Not withstanding
any provisions in this code to the
contrary, low-speed vehicles shall
meet the requirements of 49 C.F.R.
571.500 (2003);
(3) In lieu of annual
inspection, the owner of a low-speed
vehicle shall, upon initial
application for registration and
each renewal thereafter, certify
under penalty of false swearing,
that all lights, brakes, tires and
seat belts are in good working
condition; and
(4) Any person
operating a low-speed vehicle must
hold a valid driver's license, not
an instruction permit. |
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin law does allow Kandi
vehicles as automobiles on city
roads. The CoCo is a city use
vehicle and not allowed on federal
interstates. Wisconsin requires
that any vehicle operating on public
streets and highways must be titled,
registered. Any person operating a
CoCo vehicle must hold a valid
driver's license, not an instruction
permit. |
WYOMING
Wyoming has passed LSV legislation
and we are in the process of
locating detailed information about
the laws enacted.
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