|
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles In Texas
|
|
(Effective September 1, 2003) Section 19.07, Chapter 551 of the Texas Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subchapter D to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D. NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND MOTOR-ASSISTED SCOOTERS
Sec. 551.301. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Neighborhood electric vehicle" means a vehicle subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (49 C.F.R. Section 571.500).
(2) "Motor assisted scooter" means a self-propelled device with:
(A) at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation;
(B) a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions;
(C) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters;
(D) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and
(E) the ability to be propelled by human power alone.
Sec. 551.302. OPERATION ON ROADWAY.
(a) A neighborhood electric vehicle or motor assisted scooter may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. The vehicle may cross a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
(b) A person may operate a motor assisted scooter on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles or on a sidewalk. Except as otherwise provided by this section, a provision of this title applicable to the operation of a bicycle applies to the operation of a motor assisted scooter.
(c) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle or motor assisted scooter on any street or highway if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(d) The department may prohibit the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle or motor assisted scooter on a highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(e) A provision of this title applicable to a motor vehicle does not apply to a motor assisted scooter. |
