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 49 C.F.R. § 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.