HB 1142, HCA 1 -- LOW-SPEED VEHICLES

SPONSOR:  Daus

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Transportation and Motor Vehicles by a vote of 20 to 0.

This bill allows operators of low-speed vehicles to use public
highways under certain conditions.  A low-speed vehicle is a
four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per
hour but less than 25 miles per hour and is manufactured in
compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration standards.  It cannot be operated on a street or
highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.
The vehicle will be exempt from inspection and emission testing,
but must comply with the federal standards.  Every operator of a
low-speed vehicle must maintain financial responsibility and have
a driver's license.  Cities and counties may promulgate
ordinances which are more stringent than the provisions in the
bill.

HCA 1 -- Removes the description of low-speed vehicles and the
provision regarding operating these vehicles in a careless way or
under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2005, FY
2006, and FY 2007.  Estimated Net Effect on Other State Funds of
a cost of Unknown in FY 2005, an income of Unknown in FY 2006,
and an income of Unknown in FY 2007.  Unknown income and
associated cost are not expected to exceed $100,000.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say low-speed vehicles are a new breed of
supplemental, local-use personal transportation.  These vehicles
are ideal for short, in-community destinations; are inexpensive
to operate; easy to park; and have no emissions.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Daus; and
DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am