Bill Text - SB150 (2010)

(New Title) relative to low-speed utility vehicles and relative to registration fees for certain special number plates for veterans.


Revision: Feb. 10, 2010, midnight

SB 150 – AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

    01/13/10 0096s

    2009 SESSION

    09-0226

    06/09

    SENATE BILL 150

AN ACT relative to low-speed utility vehicles and relative to registration fees for certain special number plates for veterans.

    SPONSORS: Sen. Letourneau, Dist 19; Sen. Carson, Dist 14; Sen. Gilmour, Dist 12; Rep. Packard, Rock 3; Rep. Chandler, Carr 1

    COMMITTEE: Transportation and Interstate Cooperation

    AMENDED ANALYSIS

    This bill:

    I. Requires certain special equipment for low-speed utility vehicles.

    II. Clarifies the fees required for special number plates for certain veterans.

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    Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

    Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

    Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

    01/13/10 0096s

    09-0226

    06/09

    STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

    In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Nine

AN ACT relative to low-speed utility vehicles and relative to registration fees for certain special number plates for veterans.

    Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

    1 Words and Phrases Defined; Tractor. Amend RSA 259:108 to read as follows:

    259:108 Tractor. “Tractor” shall mean:

    I. Any self-propelled vehicle designed or used as a traveling power plant or for drawing other vehicles, but having no provision for carrying a load, but shall not include off-highway recreational vehicles not designed and equipped for highway use.

    II. Any low-speed utility vehicle. “Low-speed utility vehicle” shall mean any vehicle with 4 wheels, an internal combustion or electric motor, or both, a load capacity of 1,500 lbs. or less, and high-pressure tires, that is capable of carrying not more than 2 passengers plus the load, capable of speeds 30 miles per hour or less on level ground, and is used for agricultural or light industrial use.

    2 New Subdivision; Low-Speed Utility Vehicles. Amend RSA 266 by inserting after section 114 the following new subdivision:

    Low-Speed Utility Vehicles

    266:115 Equipment Required for Low-Speed Utility Vehicles. A low-speed utility vehicle as defined in RSA 259:108, II shall be equipped in accordance with 49 C.R.F. section 571.500. This equipment shall include headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, a parking brake, a rearview exterior mirror, a windshield, windshield wiper, brakes, seat belts, a vehicle identification number, and such other equipment as is required by federal regulations. Such vehicle may also use a flashing amber warning light when operating on a way.

    3 New Subdivision; Special Rules for Low-Speed Utility Vehicles. Amend RSA 265 by inserting after section 159 the following new subdivision:

    Special Rules for Low-Speed Utility Vehicles

    265:160 Low-Speed Utility Vehicles. No person shall operate a low-speed utility vehicle, as defined in RSA 259:108, II, except on a way where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. No person shall operate such vehicle more than 25 miles from the registrant’s residence or place of business.

    4 Special Number Plates for Certain Veterans. RSA 261:86, II is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:

    II. Plates furnished pursuant to subparagraphs I(a) - (c) shall be issued without charge. Plates furnished pursuant to subparagraphs I(d) and (e) shall be issued without the $4 per plate fees under RSA 261:75 but shall require payment of the regular registration fee. Notwithstanding RSA 265:73 or any other law, any person who is issued a plate pursuant to subparagraphs I(c)-(e) shall not be entitled to free parking privileges for disabled veterans, except that a person who qualifies for special plates pursuant to subparagraph I(d) may be issued an additional special plate for a motorcycle. Any veterans excused from registration fees under subparagraphs I(a) - (c) between August 7, 2009 and the effective date of this paragraph shall be entitled to a refund of the fees paid.

    5 Effective Date.

    I. Sections 1-3 of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

    II. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.