Alabama § 45-50A-30 - Operation of Low-Speed Vehicles on Certain Roads and Streets.

§ 45-50A-30. Operation of Low-Speed Vehicles on Certain Roads and Streets.

(a) The municipal governing body of the municipality of Excel, by ordinance, may authorize the operation of low-speed vehicles upon the roads and streets of the municipality under limited circumstances and conditions as provided in this section.

(b) The municipality, by ordinance, may determine the appropriate municipal roads and streets upon which low-speed vehicles may be operated.

(c) A low-speed vehicle may only be operated on any public roads or streets under all of the following conditions:

(1) The vehicle may not be operated on a public road or street by any person other than a licensed driver.

(2) The vehicle may be operated only during the hours between sunrise and sunset, unless the municipality has determined that a low-speed vehicle may be operated between sunset and sunrise and the vehicle is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.

(3) The vehicle shall be certified as meeting all federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing safety, emissions, and antitheft standards, including the safety standards provided in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500.

(4) The vehicle shall have a 17-digit vehicle identification number which conforms to National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration standards, the manufacturer’s statement of origin states that the vehicle complies with the safety standards for a low-speed vehicle or that the vehicle complies with 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500, and the vehicle has affixed thereto a decal certifying that the vehicle meets these safety standards.

(5) The vehicle shall have a current license plate issued by the license plate issuing official.

(d) A low-speed vehicle may cross a part of a state highway system only if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) A low-speed vehicle may only cross a part of a state highway that intersects a municipal street that has been designated for use by low-speed vehicles.

(2) The state Department of Transportation has reviewed and approved the location and design of the crossing and any traffic control devices needed for safety purposes.

(e) For purposes of this section, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle with a top speed not greater than 25 miles per hour, which has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and is certified as complying with the safety standards of 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500.

(f) The municipality may impose appropriate penalties for any violation of this section pursuant to local ordinance.