Neighborhood electric vehicles.

Existing law defines "low-speed vehicle" for purposes of the Vehicle Code as a motor vehicle, other than a motor truck, with 4 wheels that is capable of a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface and that has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds. Existing law imposes certain restrictions on the use of low-speed vehicles on public streets and highways, and generally requires an operator of a low-speed vehicle to have a driver's license. A low-speed vehicle is also known as a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) . A violation of the Vehicle Code is an infraction, unless otherwise specified. Existing law authorizes, until January 1, 2012, the City of Lincoln and the City of Rocklin in the County of Placer to establish a NEV transportation plan and authorizes, until January 1, 2013, the County of Orange to establish a NEV transportation plan for the Ranch Plan Planned Community in that county. A person operating a NEV in a plan area in violation of certain provisions is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $100. This bill would authorize the City of Fresno to establish a similar NEV transportation plan, subject to the same penalties. The bill would require the plan to be submitted to the department for review and approval. The bill would require a report to the Legislature by November 1, 2014, if the city adopts a plan. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2016. Because the bill would create a new crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. This bill would incorporate additional changes to Sections 21251 and 21260 of the Vehicle Code made by this bill and AB 584 to take effect if both bills are chaptered and this bill is chaptered last.