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HB 215 — Motor Vehicles
by Rep. Payne and others (CS/SB 504 by Appropriations Committee and Senator Perry)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Transportation Committee (TR)
Autocycles
The bill defines the term “autocycle,” includes an autocycle under the statutory definitions of a motorcycle, and requires occupants of autocycles wear safety belts. The bill also exempts drivers of autocycles from motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle license requirements, meaning drivers are not required to complete motorcycle knowledge and skills testing to operate an autocycle.
Mobile Carriers
The bill defines the term “mobile carrier” and provides regulations for such devices. The bill provides a mobile carrier is not considered a vehicle, motor vehicle, or a personal delivery device, and is not required to be registered or insured to operate within the state pursuant to s. 320.02, F.S. The bill authorizes a mobile carrier to be operated on sidewalks and crosswalks within a county or municipality when such use is permissible under federal law, but does not restrict a county or municipality from adopting regulations for the safe operation of mobile carriers.
The bill provides a mobile carrier:
- Operating on a sidewalk or crosswalk has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except the mobile carrier may not unreasonably interfere with pedestrians or traffic and must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians;
- Must obey all official traffic and pedestrian control signals and devices;
- Must be equipped with a braking system that, when active or engaged, enables the mobile carrier to come to a controlled stop;
- May not operate on a public highway except to cross a crosswalk;
- May not operate on a sidewalk or crosswalk unless the property owner remains within 25 feet of the mobile carrier; and
- May not transport persons, animals, or hazardous materials.
State University Ingress and Egress
The bill prohibits a local governmental entity from preventing motor vehicle use on or access to an existing transportation facility or corridor if that facility or corridor is the only point, or only one of two points, of ingress to and egress from a state university as defined in s. 1000.21, F.S. However, this section does not apply when motor vehicle use or access is prevented by a law enforcement agency in an emergency situation, or for a temporary closure necessary for road maintenance or repair.
The bill also makes changes to cross-references to conform to changes made by the bill.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2018.
Vote: Senate 33-3; House 91-10