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DESERT CITIES STREET LEGAL:
HEAD/TAIL/BRAKE LIGHTS, SPLIT OR FULL WINDSHIELD (TINTED OR CLEAR), SEAT BELTS, 19 MPH MOTOR, 5-PANEL MIRROR, TURN SIGNALS/LEVER.
LOW-SPEED VEHICLE STREET LEGAL (20-25 MPH):
HEAD/TAIL/BRAKE LIGHTS, SPLIT OR FULL WINDSHIELD (TINTED OR CLEAR), SEAT BELTS, UPGRADE MOTOR, 5-PANEL MIRROR, TURN SIGNALS/LEVER.
DEFINITIONS of LSVs and NEVs
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)
A Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a legal class of 4-wheel vehicles that have a maximum capable speed typically around 25 mph, and have a minimum capable speed typically around 20 mph. This allows them to travel on public roads not accessible to all golf cars or neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV). The vehicles operate under very similar restrictions to, but without the specification of battery electric power.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
A Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is a U.S. denomination for battery electric vehicles that are legally limited to roads with posted speed limits as high as 45 mph, depending on the particular laws of the state. NEVs usually are built to have a top speed of 30 mph, and have a maximum loaded weight of 3,000 lbs. NEVs fall under the United States Department of Transportation classification for low-speed vehicles.
A NEV battery pack recharges by plugging into a standard outlet, and because it is an all-electric vehicle, it does not produce tailpipe emissions. If recharged from clean energy sources such as solar or wind power, NEVs do not emit greenhouse gas emissions. In the state of California NEVs are classified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) and are eligible for a purchase rebate of up to $1,500 if purchased or leased on or after March 15, 2010. Low-speed vehicle is a federally-approved street-legal vehicle classification, which came into existence in 1998 under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (FMVSS 500). There is nothing in the federal regulations specifically pertaining to the power train.
Low-speed vehicles are defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds and a top speed of between 20 to 25 mph. Those states that authorize NEVs generally restrict their operation to streets with a maximum speed limit of 35 or 45 mph. Because of federal law, car dealers cannot legally sell the vehicles to go faster than 25 mph, but the buyer can easily modify the car to go 35 mph. However, if modified to exceed 25 mph, the vehicle then becomes subject to safety requirements of passenger cars.
These speed restrictions, combined with a typical driving range of 30 miles per charge and typical three-year battery durability, are required because of a lack of federally mandated safety equipment and features, which NEVs cannot accommodate because of their design. To satisfy federal safety requirements for manufacturers, NEVs must be equipped with three-point seat belts or a lap belt, running lights, headlights, brake lights, reflectors, rear view mirrors, and turn signals. Windshield wipers are not required. In many cases, doors may be optional, crash protection from other vehicles is partially met compared to other non-motorized transport such as bicycles because of the use of seatbelts.
Regulations for operating an NEV vary by state. The federal government allows state and local governments to add additional safety requirements beyond those of Title 49 Part 571.500. For instance, the State of New York requires additional safety equipment to include windshield wipers, window defroster, speedometer, odometer and a back-up light. Generally, they must be titled and registered, and the driver must be licensed. Because airbags are not required, the NEV cannot normally travel on highways or freeways. NEVs in many states are restricted to roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
