Low Speed Vehicles for your Community

1. What is a Low Speed Vehicle?   Any four-wheeled electric vehicle capable of achieving a top speed between 20 and 25 mph. Low- speed Vehicles must comply with the safety standards (such as seat belts, turning signals, mirrors, licensed drivers, etc)  in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, sections 571.500 and Florida Statutes 320.01 and  316.2122 and be licensed as required under state guidelines. There is a significant difference between a traditional golf cart and a low speed vehicle, even through low speed vehicles may often look like golf carts. Additionally, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration limits LSV to those vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3000 pounds.

2. Where is it Legal to Drive a Low Speed Vehicle?  Florida Statutes 316.2122 notes that a low speed vehicle may be operated only on roads as defined in F.S. 334.03 which includes a way open to the public, including but not limited to, a street, highway or alley.  The term includes associated sidewalks, the roadbed, the right-of-way, and all culverts, drains, sluices, ditches, water storage areas, waterways, embankments, slopes, retaining walls, bridges, tunnels and viaducts necessary for the maintenance of travel and all ferries used in connection therewith , but only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.   This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.

3. Can Local Governments Prohibit Low Speed Vehicles?  Yes, according to F.S. 316.2122, a county or municipality may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

4. Can Municipalities Use Low Speed Vehicles?  With recent Florida legislation, municipalities are authorized to utilize Cruise Car’s low speed, street legal vehicles upon any state, county or municipal roads located within the corporate limits of such municipalities for municipal purposes, including, but not limited to: police patrol, traffic enforcement, and inspection of public facilities. Additionally, state employees, state park volunteers, and state park visitors are authorized to use Cruise Car’s low speed, street legal vehicles upon any public roads within the boundaries of state parks. (See FS 316.2126 effective July 1, 2009 for further clarification.)

5. What Grants are Available to Purchase Low Speed Vehicles for Governments?  Two current sources of available funding include:

• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants; counties and cities with larger populations receive automatic funding; small locales will receive funds through the state of Florida on a competitive basis for fourteen eligible activities.  Visit http://www.eecbg.energy.gov for allocations.  Contact tony.morgan@eog.myflorida.com  for state grant application, guidance and timing.
• Federal Parks can explore the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Grant, now renamed the Paul Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program. http://www.fla.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants financing 6106.html   

Consulting To Guide Your Community to a LSV  Sustainable Transportation Solution Is Available.  Please Contact Mary Anne G. Bowie, FAICP, Sustainability Leader, Eco Trans Alliance  Phone:   941.355-6371            

April 1, 2010) – Eco-crusader Jono Miller doesn’t wear a cape, but that’s not stopping him from undertaking one of the most innovative and potentially far-reaching research projects in Southwest Florida to reduce greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming. The environmentalist and longtime New College of Florida staff member has turned his attention to the College’s 114-acre campus on Sarasota’s bayfront to recommend ways to reduce its harmful carbon dioxide emissions in everything from its electricity demands to landscaping practices and the use of student and staff vehicles.

Miller has been seen riding around campus on his hybrid, solar powered-assisted golf cart – which he describes as “sort of like ‘The Flintstones meets ‘The Jetsons’” – to gather data for the college’s Climate Action Plan.  Several New College students have been collaborating with Miller and school officials on the research project that began earlier this year.

Miller, who headed the college’s Environmental Studies Program for many years and is now on special assignment as an assistant to the Vice President for Finance & Administration John Martin, expects to have several recommendations by this summer to make the College more environmentally friendly.  His larger goal is that other institutions and businesses can benefit from New College’s research on ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help reverse global warming.

New College’s self-study is part of a nationwide effort by more than 650 colleges and universities to look for ways to curb their carbon emissions, or carbon footprint.  Their pioneering research, which will vary in different areas of the country in part because of their regional climate, energy sources and technological innovations, are part of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org) launched in 2007 and of which New College is a signatory.

For more information, please contact Jake Hartvigsen, public affairs director, New College of Florida, (941) 487-4150, or jhartvigsen@ncf.edu

Photo above: Jono Miller, left, poses with former New College Foundation Vice President Sara Krusenstjerna and Eco-Trans Alliance founder and owner Ken Chester in front of one of the new solar-electric powered vehicles being considered by New College as part of an intra-campus shuttle.

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New College of Florida is a national leader in the arts and sciences and is the State of Florida's designated honors college for the liberal arts. Ranked No. 5 in the nation among all public colleges and universities by Forbes.com ("America's Best Colleges", 2009 edition), New College attracts highly motivated, academically talented students from 40 states and 25 foreign countries.

Convert Your Cart or Fleet into Solar-Electric Vehicles

Federal tax credits are available for up to 30% of the solar system if you qualify.  This includes the solar panel and batteries.  Total savings may be higher depending on additional allowances provided by some states.  Be sure to check with your state for additional tax credits.  Information obtained from the IRS website and the Data base of state incentives for renewables and efficiency.

Eco Trans Alliance is pleased to announce that SunRay Solar Tops are now available for all brands of golf carts and low speed vehicles.

Benefits include: Lower electricity bills; Batteries constantly recharge in the sun, extending the battery life by up to 30%; Increases driving distance by up to 5-12 miles per day;  Eco-friendly; zero carbon emissions when operating on Solar Power; Fits every major low speed vehicles: Yamaha, Club Car, EZ-GO, Cruise Car and more; Most powerful solar panels on the market: 190-380 watt solar panel tops output up to 88 volts; Easy to install, no maintenance, mono-crystalline solar panels, UL certified high grade industrial wiring, compression tested glass; Full 10 year warranty included; an extended 15 year warranty is available.

Contact Eco Trans Alliance 941-355-6371 for comprehensive information