Brief ⁽¹⁾

The bill would enact new statutes as part of, and amend existing statutes in, the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways regarding operation of low-speed vehicles in Kansas. A low-speed vehicle would be defined to be any four-wheeled, electric vehicle, the maximum speed of which is between 20 and 25 miles per hour, and which is manufactured in compliance with federal regulations for low-speed vehicles.

Low-speed vehicles could not be operated on any street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour, however, the vehicle could cross a street or highway with a higher speed limit. Low-speed vehicles would have to meet all existing statutory equipment requirements for other four-wheeled vehicles except the requirement for display of a slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Unlawful operation of a low-speed vehicle would result in a $20 fine under the uniform fine schedule for traffic infractions.

Background

The bill was introduced at the request of the City of Manhattan. At the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee's hearing on the bill, supporting testimony was presented by the Acting City Manager of Manhattan, the Secretary of Transportation, officials of Kansas State University, and a staff member from the Kansas Corporation Commission. No opponents to the bill presented testimony at the Senate Committee's hearing.

The Senate Committee's amendment was technical.

The Division of the Budget's fiscal note for the bill states that the fiscal impact cannot currently be determined.

1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html