Electric Car Gets Ok from Massachusetts
Rep. Bradley, Sen. Hedlund Say New Law Will Promote Electric Vehicle Use
The ZAP Xebra all-electric sedan and truck have been given clearance for use on Massachusetts roads. State Rep. Garrett J. Bradley, D-Hingham, and Sen. Robert Hedlund, D-Weymouth on January 16, 2009 announced the passage of new legislation which allows limited use of low- and medium-speed electric vehicles on certain roads in Massachusetts.
2009 ZAP Xebra electric sedanThe bill, H.5113, was signed into law by Gov. Patrick on Thursday, January 15 as Chapter 523 of the Acts of 2008. The law contains provisions allowing the Registry of Motor Vehicles to register as “motorcycles” three-wheeled electric vehicles that have standard safety equipment and travel no faster than 40 miles per hour. Such vehicles could be registered at the discretion of the Registrar, and would be limited to traveling on public roads having speed limits of 40 miles per hour or less.
Rep. Bradley said the language is similar to legislation he filed together with Senator Hedlund, which sought to allow the limited operation of such vehicles on local roads. The proposal was filed after a constituent, Benjamin Burnham of Hingham, was told he could not register his three-wheeled electric vehicle for business use.
“I am pleased that this new law achieves the goals of our original bill, and hope it will encourage the further development and use of alternative fuel vehicles to save energy and reduce the impact of cars on our environment,” said Rep. Bradley. “Senator Hedlund and I share a common goal of passing legislation that is both environmentally friendly and encourages the ‘Green’ industries.”
“We like to think of our state as progressive and high-tech minded, when in this case our public policies actually lagged well behind those of other states when it came to allowing drivers to utilize electric cars,” Sen. Hedlund said. “It is important that we continue to make it easier for residents of Massachusetts to purchase and operate these vehicles, and not put up roadblocks.”
Mr. Burnham said, “Citizens of the Commonwealth have an alternative to vehicles that burn fossil fuels. It's incredible to consider this all started with a single email to Representative Bradley and Senator Hedlund asking for help. I am impressed with both offices and their persistence. Governor Patrick's signature proves we are committed to cleaner air, and his signature also proves that government is accessible to its citizens. This is a great advancement in green initiatives and a terrific civics lesson. We, as citizens, can make a difference.”
The new law empowers the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to draft new regulations to allow the use of appropriate vehicles while ensuring the public’s safety on local roads. It also governs the driving of so-called “low-speed” vehicles and restricts who can operate such vehicles.
Click Here for a link to the law:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/senate/185/st02/st02898.htm