Low-speed vehicle bill gets hearing

SAKONNET AREA — The Senate Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government heard testimony last week on legislation (2005 S -294) introduced by Sen. June N. Gibbs which would set standards for low-speed vehicle operation in Rhode Island.

"Rhode Island has many appropriate places for the use of neighborhood electric vehicles. Our tourism community and fellow citizens deserve the opportunity to own and utilize this environmentally friendly and low cost transportation option. I look forward to my colleagues supporting this legislation as we have made some improvements over last year's bill. At the suggestion of the State Police, this year's version allows municipalities and the state traffic commission to ban the use of (low speeed vehicles) on any road deemed too dangerous."

Such a measure might impact Prudence Island, some of whose residents had used golf carts to drive around the island until being told that such vehicles are not allowed on public roads.

Ms. Gibbs (R, Dist. 12 - Middletown, Little Compton, Tiverton, Newport), said that such low-speed vehicles ,also known as neighborhood electric vehicles, would be electrically powered and therefore emission free.

"Operating without the use of petroleum based fuels, low-speed vehicles represent an environmentally sound answer to providing consumers with transportation for short trips, a major source of automotive emissions. These vehicles would be restricted to speeds of 25 miles per hour and would only be permitted to operate on streets or highways with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. As with conventional automobiles, low-speed vehicles would have to be registered and insured and would be required to display a license plate. Additionally, any person operating a low-speed vehicle would be required to have in his or her possession a valid drivers license."

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