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. A violation of the Vehicle Code is an infraction, unless otherwise specified. Existing law authorizes a city or county to establish a golf cart transportation plan subject to the review of the appropriate transportation planning agency and traffic law enforcement agency. Existing law provides that operating a golf cart other than on an authorized roadway is an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $100. Existing law authorizes, until January 1, 2012, the City of Lincoln and the City of Rocklin in the County of Placer to establish a neighborhood electric vehicle transportation plan and authorizes, until January 1, 2013, the County of Orange to establish a neighborhood electric vehicle transportation plan for the Ranch Plan Planned Community in that county. A person operating a neighborhood electric vehicle 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 Palm Desert to establish a similar neighborhood electric vehicle plan, subject to the same penalties. The bill would require a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2013. 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.