HB78 Summary

• Establishes a new license plate category for low speed vehicles and mini-trucks with registration fees identical to private passenger automobiles.

• Defines low speed vehicles as four-wheeled motor vehicles with a top speed of 25 mph or less and gross vehicle weight rating under 3,000 pounds, including neighborhood electric vehicles and speed-modified golf carts that comply with 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500 safety standards.

• Defines mini-trucks as four-wheeled reduced dimension trucks at least 48 inches wide, weighing at least 1,500 pounds unladen, equipped with a fully enclosed metal cab, speed governor limited to 25 mph, and required safety features including headlamps, turn signals, seat belts, and rearview mirrors.

• Restricts low speed vehicles and mini-trucks to roads with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less, except at intersections for crossing higher-speed roads, and requires display of restricted-use license tags.

• Exempts low speed vehicles and mini-trucks from certificate of title requirements.

• Becomes effective January 1, 2011.