THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY FLECK, BARRAR, BOBACK, BOYD, CALTAGIRONE, COHEN, DENLINGER, EVERETT, GEIST, GILLEN, GINGRICH, GRELL, HARHAI, HARRIS, HENNESSEY, JOSEPHS, KAUFFMAN, M.K. KELLER, LONGIETTI, MILLER, MILNE, MOUL, D. O'BRIEN, ROSS, SCAVELLO, SONNEY, STURLA, THOMAS, WATSON AND YOUNGBLOOD, FEBRUARY 28, 2011

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 28, 2011  

AN ACT

Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

Statutes, further providing for definitions; and providing

for regulation and operation of neighborhood electric

vehicles.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  The definition of "motor vehicle" in section 102

of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended

and the section is amended by adding a definition to read:

§ 102.  Definitions.

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent

provisions of this title which are applicable to specific

provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when

used in this title shall have, unless the context clearly

indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:

* * *

"Motor vehicle."  A vehicle which is self-propelled except an

electric personal assistive mobility device, a neighborhood

electric vehicle or a vehicle which is propelled solely by human

power.

* * *

"Neighborhood electric vehicle."  A four-wheeled electric

vehicle that has a maximum design speed of not less than 20

miles per hour and of not more than 25 miles per hour and that

complies with the Federal safety standards established in 49 CFR

571.500 (relating to standard no. 500; low-speed vehicles).

* * *

Section 2.  Chapter 35 of Title 75 is amended by adding a

subchapter to read:

SUBCHAPTER F

OPERATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Sec.

3591.  Scope of subchapter.

3592.  Required equipment.

3593.  Operation on certain highways or roadways.

3594.  Certificate of title and registration required.

3595.  License and financial responsibility required.

3596.  Exemption.

§ 3591.  Scope of subchapter.

This subchapter applies to the operation of neighborhood

electric vehicles on certain highways or roadways in this

Commonwealth.

§ 3592.  Required equipment.

A neighborhood electric vehicle shall be equipped in

accordance with 49 CFR 571.500 (relating to standard no. 500;

low-speed vehicles). This equipment shall include the following:

(1)  Headlamps.

(2)  Stop lamps.

(3)  Turn signal lamps.

(4)  Reflex reflectors.

(5)  Parking brake.

(6)  Rearview exterior mirror.

(7)  Rearview interior mirror.

(8)  Windshield.

(9)  Windshield wiper.

(10)  Speedometer.

(11)  Odometer.

(12)  Braking for each wheel.

(13)  Seat belts.

(14)  Vehicle identification number.

(15)  Other equipment as required by Federal regulations.

§ 3593.  Operation on certain highways or roadways.

A neighborhood electric vehicle may be operated on any

highway or roadway where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per

hour or less. This section does not prohibit a person from

operating a neighborhood electric vehicle across an intersection

where the highway or roadway has a posted speed limit of more

than 35 miles per hour.

§ 3594.  Certificate of title and registration required.

A neighborhood electric vehicle shall be properly titled and

registered with the department as required by Chapters 11

(relating to certificate of title and security interests) and 13

(relating to registration of vehicles).

§ 3595.  License and financial responsibility required.

An operator of a neighborhood electric vehicle must have a

valid driver's license and maintain financial responsibility as

required by Chapters 15 (relating to licensing of drivers) and

17 (relating to financial responsibility).

§ 3596.  Exemption.

A neighborhood electric vehicle shall be exempt from any

emissions testing required under this title or other law.

Section 3.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.