Authorize the use of electric all-terrain and off-road vehicles on public highways.
This bill significantly impacts state laws governing vehicle usage on public roads, particularly affecting the licensing provisions outlined in § 32-20-13. By expanding the eligibility criteria for licensing motorcycles, it opens avenues for more environmentally friendly vehicles to be legally operated on highways. Importantly, while enabling the use of these electric vehicles, the bill also includes restrictions; specifically, it prohibits their operation on interstate highways, categorizing such violations as a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Senate Bill 66, introduced by Senator Frye-Mueller, aims to authorize the use of electric all-terrain and off-road vehicles on public highways in the state of South Dakota. The legislation extends the definition of motorcycles to include these electric vehicles, allowing them to be licensed under existing motorcycle regulations. Notably, any all-terrain vehicle with an electric engine must meet equivalent power and torque output to that of traditional combustion engines to be eligible for licensing.
The bill does not appear to have been accompanied by extensive partisan debate in the provided documentation, but the implications of such a bill could provoke discussions related to roadway safety, environmental concerns, and the practicalities of integrating electric vehicles alongside traditional vehicles. Stakeholders may express varying opinions on the adequacy of the vehicle requirements to ensure safety and functionality on public highways.