State Laws and Programs for Electric Drive

SEE ALSO: EV-MOTORING.COM
SEE ALSO: Electric Drive Transportation Association

2008 State Laws for Electric Drive: State-by-state breakdown of electric drive laws passed in 2008.

COLORADO

HOUSE BILL 1013 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 9, 2008 LAST-ACTION: MAY 21, 2008; Signed by GOVERNOR.

County and Municipal Sales Tax Exemptions for Low emission vehicles

SYNOPSIS: Allows for county and municipal adoption of sales and use tax exemptions for sales of low emission vehicles and power sources as well as other specified items.

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FLORIDA

HOUSE BILL 7135 DATE-INTRO: APRIL 15, 2008 LAST-ACTION: APRIL 30, 2008; To enrollment. [Not signed into law as of 6.4.08]

Low emissions vehicles in HOV lanes

SYNOPSIS: Establishes multiple programs to promote efficiency and renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including amending s. 316.0741, F.S.; requiring all hybrid and other low-emission and energy- efficient vehicles that do not meet the minimum occupancy requirement and are driven in a high-occupancy-vehicle lane to comply with federally mandated minimum fuel economy standards; authorizing specified vehicles to use certain high-occupancy-vehicle lanes without payment of tolls; adopting Climate Friendly Public Business requirements for the use of “green” products, lodging, vehicles, and fuel. CLICK HERE for Complete Act

MARYLAND

MD H.B. 1160 DATE-INTRO: FEBRUARY 8, 2008 LAST-ACTION: MAY 13, 2008; Chapter No. 385

Task Force on establishing minimum sound standards for vehicles

SYNOPSIS: Establishes a Quiet Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety Task Force; provides for the membership and duties of the Task Force; provides that the Task Force shall study the effects of vehicle sound on pedestrian safety and all available technology that may enhance the safety of blind pedestrians, and to make recommendations regarding minimum sound levels and the nature and characteristics of the minimum sound to be required for all new vehicles to be sold in the CLICK HERE for Complete Act

MINNESOTA

HOUSE BILL 3800 DATE-INTRO: MARCH 4, 2008 LAST-ACTION: MAY 23, 2008; Filed with Secretary of State. Chapter No. 350

Medium Speed Electric Vehicles

SYNOPSIS: Modifies the definition of passenger automobile to include medium-speed electric vehicles, which makes it subject to the same registration taxes and license plate provisions as other passenger motor vehicles. The section also amends the definition of "passenger vehicle" for vehicle registration purposes, so that a pickup truck or van with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000-13,000 pounds is not taxed as a passenger vehicle if it is used in furtherance of a commercial enterprise and is not regulated as a commercial vehicle. The "passenger vehicle" definition change is effective for vehicles with a registration period beginning after March 1, 2011 CLICK HERE for Complete Act

OKLAHOMA

SENATE BILL 1558 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 11, 2008 LAST-ACTION: MAY 28, 2008; Chapter No. 126

Clean Vehicle Tax Credits

SYNOPSIS: Allows a one-time income tax credit for clean-burning fuel motor vehicles placed in service after 1990 and qualified electric motor vehicles (battery electric and hybrids) placed in service after 1995. The credit is 50% of the cost of the clean-burning or qualified electric vehicle property. If unable to identify the eligible basis in the property, the taxpayer may claim the lesser of 10% of the vehicle’s cost or $1500. CLICK HERE for Complete Act

OKLAHOMA

HOUSE BILL 2695 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 17, 2008 LAST-ACTION: June 2, 2008; Signed by Governor.

Medium Speed Vehicle

SYNOPSIS: [various unrelated provisions] … relates to the State Vehicle License and Registration Act; defines low speed vehicle and defines a medium speed electric vehicle as a self propelled, electronically powered four wheel vehicle; CLICK HERE for Complete Act

OKLAHOMA

SENATE BILL 1384 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 9, 2008 LAST-ACTION: June 2, 2008; Signed by Governor

Medium Speed Vehicles

SYNOPSIS: Defines a medium-speed electrical vehicle as any self-propelled, electrically powered four-wheeled motor vehicle, equipped with a roll cage or crush-proof body design, whose speed attainable in one (1) mile is more than thirty (30) miles per hour but not greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour; Requires medium-speed electrical vehicles to be registered pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall promulgate rules for the titling and registration of medium-speed electric vehicles.

Provides that medium-speed electrical vehicles which have been titled and registered pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act may be operated on the roadways of this state with a posted speed limit of forty-five (45) miles per hour or less; provided, however, medium-speed electrical vehicles shall not be permitted to travel upon any highway in this state which is a part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and which otherwise meets or exceeds the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations set forth in 49 C.F.R. 571.500. Operators of medium-speed electrical vehicles shall comply with all traffic regulations and rules of conduct for the operation of motor vehicles on the roadways of this state provided by CLICK HERE for Complete Act

SOUTH CAROLINA

SENATE BILL 368 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 31, 2007 LAST-ACTION: APRIL 28, 2008; Act No. 203 Became law w/out GOVERNOR signature.

Fleet Preferences

SYNOPSIS: Relates to the Fleet Management Program; provides that the program shall seek to improve environmental quality by decreasing the discharge of pollutants; provides that preference must be given to hybrid, plug-in hybrid, biodiesel, or flex-fuel vehicles when a comparable price and quality is CLICK HERE for Complete Act

SOUTH DAKOTA

HOUSE BILL 1255 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 22, 2008 LAST-ACTION: MARCH 13, 2008; Filed with Secretary of State.

Low Speed Vehicles

SYNOPSIS: Defines low speed vehicles as Provides for titling and registration of low-speed vehicles that meet the requirements of Part 49 Section 571.500 of the Code of Federal Regulations as amended to January 1, 2008; requires insurance for the vehicles. Provides that no low-speed vehicle may be operated on any highway where the speed limit is more than thirty-five miles per hour; allows local governments to adopt more stringent ordinances governing operation, requires any operator to hold a valid driver's license; requires dealers to be licienced

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TENNESSEE

2007 TN S.B. 3136 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 15, 2008 LAST-ACTION: APRIL 17, 2008; Public Chaptered. Chapter No. 719

Low Speed Vehicles

SYNOPSIS: Amends the definition of low speed vehicle so that includes gasoline powered vehicles as well as electric vehicles which meet the other requirements of the of the definition.

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TENNESSEE

SENATE BILL 2857 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 16, 2008 LAST-ACTION: MAY 19, 2008; Signed by GOVERNOR. MAY 22, 2008; Public Chaptered. Chapter No. 959

Medium Speed Vehicles

SYNOPSIS: Allows a medium speed vehicle to be operated at a rate not to exceed 35 miles per hour only on streets where the posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour or less. Defines a "medium speed vehicle" as any four-wheeled electric vehicle, excluding golf carts, whose top speed is greater than 30 miles per hour but not more than 35 miles per hour and that otherwise meets or exceeds the federal safety standards. The bill would not prohibit a medium speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 40 miles per hour. Any person operating a medium speed vehicle must have in possession a valid Class D driver license

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UTAH

2008 UT H.B. 106 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 3, 2008 LAST-ACTION: MARCH 17, 2008; Signed by GOVERNOR.

Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credits

SYNOPSIS: Provides a tax credit for new vehicles meeting air quality and fuel economy standards; eliminates a provision excluding hybrid electric-gasoline vehicles from the tax credit; eliminates the clean fuel tax certificate; imposes a fuel tax on compressed natural gas for vehicles.

Revises the clean vehicle tax credit, extending the effective dates to beginning on or after January 1, 2009, and ending on or before December 31, 2013. The credit allows a taxpayer to claim a tax credit an amount equal to $750 for the original purchase of a new vehicle that is not fueled by compressed natural gas if the vehicle is registered in Utah and meets air quality and fuel economy standards; 50% of the cost of equipment for conversion, if certified by the board; or up to a maximum tax credit of $2,500 per motor vehicle, if the motor vehicle is fueled by propane, natural gas, or electricity. The provision’s original exclusion of “electric hybrid vehicles” was removed.

Provides that low speed vehicles meeting federal regulations are motor vehicles for purposes of licensing, titling and insurance requirements. Further provides that a person may not operate a low-speed vehicle that has been structurally altered from the original manufacturer's design; requires the user to obtain an annual clean special fuel tax certificate; exempts LSVs from a motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program requirements.

Except to cross a highway at an intersection, a low-speed vehicle may not be operated on a highway with a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. A highway authority may prohibit or restrict the operation of a low-speed vehicle on any highway under its jurisdiction; a person may not operate a low-speed vehicle on a highway without displaying on the rear of the low-speed vehicle, a slow-moving vehicle identification emblem that complies with the Society of Automotive Engineers standard SAE J943. A person who violates Subsection (2), (3), [(6)] (5), or [(7)] (6) is guilty of a class C misdemeanor

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VIRGINIA

SB195 Signed into Law March 2 2008 LAST-ACTION: MARCH 20, 2008; Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 143.

Low Speed Vehicle Taxation

SYNOPSIS: Creates a separate classification for local taxation purposes for low-speed vehicles, which are defined as four-wheeled electrically powered vehicles with specified maximum speed that comply with federal safety standards.

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VIRGINIA

VA H.B. 1014 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 8, 2008 LAST-ACTION: MARCH 28, 2008; Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 511.

HOV lane eligibility extension

SYNOPSIS: Extends the sunset on the provision allowing vehicles bearing clean special fuel license plates to use high occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of the number of their passengers from 2008 until July 2009.

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WASHINGTON

2007 WA H.B. 2815 DATE-INTRO: JANUARY 16, 2008; LAST-ACTION: MARCH 14, 2008; Chapter No. 2008-14

Plug in Infrastructure

SYNOPSIS: Relates to the state's participation in the development of a regional process to design a multisector, market based system for regulating greenhouse gas emissions, electricity generation or alternative fuel from landfill gas and anaerobic digester gas, greenhouse gas reporting requirements, permits for air contaminant sources, employer commute trip reduction programs, the green industries jobs training account, and projects to expand electrical transmission for recharging plug- in hybrid electric vehicles.

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2007 State Laws for Electric Drive: State-by-state breakdown of electric drive laws passed in 2007.

CONNECTICUT

State Fleet Requirements SB 1500A – Signed into law on June 29, 2007, became Public Act No. 4.; requires that 50% of state vehicles be alt-fueled, hybrid or plug-in electric after 2008; 100% after 2012. Provides sales tax exemptions for high mileage, low emission vehicles.

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DELAWARE

Low Speed Vehicle Operation S.B. 17 became law on April 14, 2007. Sets requirements for low-speed vehicles to operate on Delaware highways; limits operation to roads posted at 35 mph or below, permits crossing at maerked intersections and exempts from safety inspections.

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FLORIDA

Fleet greenhouse gas emissions reductions Executive Order 127: The Governor issued Executive Order 127 on July 13, 2007. The order establishes greenhouse gas emissions targets, and provides for adoption of the California motor vehicle emission standards.

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Operation of LSVs and Golf Carts by law enforcement HB 1003 – Filed as Chapter No. 2007-154 on June 15, 2007 allows law enforcement to use all terrain, golf carts and low speed vehicles on state streets, roads and highways.

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ILLINOIS

Low Speed Vehicle Operation HB 1875- became Pub Act 95-0150 on August 14, 2007. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person operating a neighborhood electric vehicle may make a direct crossing at an intersection controlled by a traffic light or 4-way stop sign upon or across a highway under the jurisdiction of the State if the speed limit on the highway is 35 miles per hour or less at the place of crossing. Effective immediately.

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SB 393 was sent to the Governor on June 29, 2007. Not signed as of 30, 2007. Removes the 2200 maximum weight restriction and 4 person seating capacity for low speed electrically powered motor vehicles.

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MARYLAND

Low emission vehicle regulations and exemptions S.B. 103: On APRIL 24, 2007 became Chapter No. 111. Requires the Department of the Environment and the Motor Vehicle Administration to adopt regulations to establish a low emissions vehicle program applicable to certain vehicles; prohibits the Department or any other State agency from adopting a regulation that requires the sale or use of certain gasoline; exempts certain zero emission and qualified hybrid vehicles from certain emissions testing and inspection requirements until the model year is 3 years old.

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H.B. 131: On APRIL 24, 2007 became Chapter No. 111 – Crossfiled w/ SB 103. Requires the Department of Environment and the Motor Vehicle Administration to adopt regulations by December 31, 2007, to establish a low emissions vehicle program applicable to vehicles of the model year 2011 and thereafter under specified circumstances; requires the Administration and the Department to establish motor vehicle emissions standards and 8.22.07. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. In provisions restricting the operation of certain electronically-powered four-wheeled motor vehicles and defining those vehicles as "neighborhood electric vehicles", provides that those restrictions also apply to certain gasoline-powered four-wheeled motor vehicle with an engine displacement under 1,200 cubic centimeters and changes the term to "neighborhood vehicles". Effective immediately.

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INDIANA

Low Speed Vehicle Specifications S.B. 163 became Public Law No. 9 MARCHcompliance requirements.

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MONTANA

Medium Speed ElectricVehicle Operation S.B.185: On APRIL 23, 2007 became Chapter No. 233. Provides for medium speed electric vehicles that have a top speed not greater than 35 mph.

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NEVADA

Hybrid Vehicle Emission Exemptions SB 161- signed into law on May 31, 2007. Chapter No. 231.Exempts HEVs from emission control program until the model year is six years old.

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OREGON

Alternative Fuel Vehicle facilities HB 3201 was signed into law on July 31, 2007. It expands its business energy credit to "energy facilities" that include facilities that manufacture or distribute alternative fuels, including electricity, ethanol, methanol, gasohol and biodiesel.

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TENNESSEE

State vehicle fleet efficiency SB 123 became Chapter No. 532 on June 27, 2007. It requires 30% of motor vehicles purchased by the state during fiscal year be energy efficient, i.e, be flex-fuel, alternative fuel, hybrid vehicles or have at least 25 mpg highway rating.

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State school fleet efficiency HB 723 – signed on June 21, became Chapter No. 489 on June 26, 2007. It requires all state agencies, universities and community colleges to increase number of alt fuel, fuel efficient and low emission vehicles and displace 20% of petroleum use by 2010.

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TEXAS

State vehicle fleet efficiency HB2293 was signed into law on June 15, 2007. It requires that not less than 10% of state agency-purchased vehicles meet or exceed certain emission standards

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Hydrogen vehicle sales tax exemption HB 3319 was signed into law and filed with the Sec of State on July 24 (Chapter No 1266). The governs state sales and use taxes and includes an exemption from sales and use taxes for hydrogen –powered vehicles.

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Hydrogen production HB 3732 – now Chapter No. 1277 amends the Advanced Clean energy Grant and Loan program to include clean energy projects that meet emission standards while using coal, biomass, petroleum coke solid waste, including fuel cells using hydrogen derived from the designated fuels in electricity generation or creation of alternative liquid fuels while co-generating electricity .

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Subsidies for efficient vehicle repair and idle reduction technology SB 12 – was signed in on July 24, 2007 and is Chapter No 262. The law includes funding a low income vehicle repair and replacement program and for meeting state emissions reductions with lease, purchase, and installation of idle reduction technologies and facilities on highways and on waterways.

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VIRGINIA

Clean Vehicle operation in HOV lanesH.B. 2132 On MARCH 13, 2007 became Chapter No. 317. Extends the sunset date authorizing the use of certain high occupancy vehicle lanes by vehicles bearing clean special fuel vehicle license plates to July1, 2008.

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WASHINGTON

Medium Speed Electric Vehicles H.B. 1820 became law on May 15, 2007 and is listed as Chapter 510. Reduces air pollution through the licensing and use of medium-speed electric vehicles; encourages reducing air pollution through the licensing and use of medium-speed electric vehicles that can attain more than 30 mph but not more than 35 mph.

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