Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "road authority" means the commissioner, as to trunk highways; the county board, as to county state-aid highways and county highways; the town board, as to town roads; and the governing body of a city, as to city streets.

Subd. 2. Required equipment. Notwithstanding any other law, a neighborhood electric vehicle or a medium-speed electric vehicle may be operated on public streets and highways if it meets all equipment and vehicle safety requirements in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 571.500, and successor requirements.

Subd. 3. Operation. (a) A neighborhood electric vehicle or a medium-speed electric vehicle may not be operated on a street or highway with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour, except to make a direct crossing of that street or highway.

(b) A person may operate a three-wheeled neighborhood electric vehicle without a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement, provided the person has a valid driver's license issued under chapter 171.

Subd. 4. Restrictions and prohibitions. (a) A road authority, including the commissioner of transportation by order, may prohibit or further restrict the operation of neighborhood electric vehicles and medium-speed electric vehicles on any street or highway under the road authority's jurisdiction.

(b) Neither a neighborhood electric vehicle nor a medium-speed electric vehicle may be used to take any examination to demonstrate ability to exercise control in the operation of a motor vehicle as required under section 171.13.

History: 2006 c 189 s 5; 2008 c 350 art 1 s 34; 1Sp2017 c 3 art 3 s 51